Troubleshooting
Problem
This Document outlines an alternate way to install fonts on a Linux server for Cognos Analytics
When you select a font in Cognos Analytics, that does not mean that the font will be used. The font must exist on the Linux server and the computer that you are accessing the Cognos portal from. If the font does not exist it will default to Andale.
For example –
- Cognos Analytics hosted on Linux
- User access Cognos Analytics via Windows
User creates a report and changes the font to Comic Sans MS. They see that the font change while editing the report and when the report runs in HTML but the font is Andale in PDF.
This is because when viewing HTML the font exists on the users Windows OS so it will use it.
This font does not exist on the Linux server so when the PDF is created it defaults to Andale.
This is because when viewing HTML the font exists on the users Windows OS so it will use it.
This font does not exist on the Linux server so when the PDF is created it defaults to Andale.
Resolving The Problem
Install font on the linux server
- Log in as root
- Copy the font file to /usr/share/fonts. (Note: if the directory path does not exist, create it. This will automatically add the font to the font list
- Run the fc-list command. You should be able to see the font in the list
[root@************ ~]# fc-list
/usr/share/fonts/dejavu/DejaVuSansCondensed-Oblique.ttf: DejaVu Sans,DejaVu Sans Condensed:style=Condensed Oblique,Oblique
/usr/share/fonts/dejavu/DejaVuSansCondensed-Bold.ttf: DejaVu Sans Condensed:style=Condensed Bold,Bold
/usr/share/fonts/dejavu/DejaVuSansCondensed-Oblique.ttf: DejaVu Sans,DejaVu Sans Condensed:style=Condensed Oblique,Oblique
/usr/share/fonts/dejavu/DejaVuSansCondensed-Bold.ttf: DejaVu Sans Condensed:style=Condensed Bold,Bold
The name in bold is the name used to add to the Cognos Analytics server
Adding font to Cognos Analytic
- Open Cognos Configuration
- Click on Actions -> Edit Global Configuration
- Click Fonts tab
- Click Add..
- Add the name of the font that was retrieved from the fc-list command (The name in bold from the fc-list command. This name is case sensitive)
- Click OK
- Restart Cognos
Note: Restarting the server sometimes does not work and a whole restart of the linux server might be needed.
Related Information
Document Location
Worldwide
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Document Information
Modified date:
22 April 2021
UID
ibm16438899