Specified character spacing is not preserved when exporting to PDF with ArcMap 10.5.1

Description

When exporting a map document to PDF with ArcMap 10.5.1, the specified character spacing of labels are not preserved, resulting in the label characters appearing as unevenly spaced or compressed. For example:

Cause

This is a known limitation for ArcMap 10.5.1. The hotfix patch QFE-1041-DT-350481 resolves this issue, but reoccurs if the hotfix patch QFE-1041-DT-353299 is installed.

Solution or Workaround

This issue is resolved in ArcMap 10.6 but for users with hotfix patch QFE-1041-DT-353299 installed, use one of the following workarounds:

1. Import the map document to ArcGIS Pro. For detailed steps, refer to ArcGIS Help: Import an ArcMap document.
2. Export the map to PDF with ArcGIS Pro. For details steps, refer to ArcGIS Help: Export a map or layout.

1. With the map document open in ArcMap, go to File > Export Map.
2. Export the map document to the EMF file format.
3. Use a third-party file converter (such as EMF to PDF Converter) to convert the EMF file as the PDF format.

1. Switch the map document to a Data View to enable printing to file.
2. Click on File > Print.
3. Check Print to File.
4. Save the file as an OneNote file (.prn).
5. Open the file in OneNote.
6. Go to File > Export.
7. Under Export Current, select what is to be exported. 
8. Select PDF (*pdf) > Export.