How To Fix PO426 - Enter a character width (font metric) > 0

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PO - Spooler message

• Message number: 426

• Message text: Enter a character width (font metric) > 0

What causes this issue?

POST printer driver for PostScript printers:
Do not use 0 to specify the font metrics for a font.
SWIN printer driver for Microsoft Windows printing using SAPLPD:
You can use 0 to specify the font metrics if the actual font metrics
are unknown.

System Response

The system asks you to reenter the value.

How to fix this error?

To calculate the font size or the increment of a font correctly, the
printer driver requires information on the width of each character in
the selected font. This width is specified in the unit "EM". One "EM"
means 1/1000 of the font used. This is therefore a relative and not an
absolute unit of measurement.
If you specify the value 1,000, for example, this means that the
characters in the PostScript font are as wide as they are high, that
is, the character width is identical to the character height. The
correct value for the PostScript font "Courier" is for example 600,
that is, the width of a character in "Courier" font is 60% of the font
height.
You can find out the correct value for the selected font from the font
manufacturer or from the documentation that was delivered with the font
or the PostScript printer.
POST printer driver for PostScript:
If the value you have specified does not match the actual font metrics
of the PostScript font, formatting errors will occur when you output
the print list using this format type.
SWIN printer driver for Microsoft Windows printing using SAPLPD:
If the value you have specified does not match the actual font metrics
of the font, formatting errors will occur when you output the print
list using this format type. If you entered "0", the SWIN printers
positions each character individually in SAPLPD. This increases
considerably the amount of time required for print formatting in SAPLPD
running under Microsoft Windows.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PO426 - Enter a character width (font metric) > 0 ?

  The SAP error message PO426, which states "Enter a character width (font metric) > 0," typically occurs in the context of SAPscript or Smart Forms when there is an issue with the font metrics being defined for text elements. This error indicates that the system expects a positive value for the character width, but it has received a value that is either zero or negative.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Font Metric Configuration: The character width for a font may not have been set correctly in the SAPscript or Smart Forms configuration.
  Missing or Corrupted Font: The font being referenced may not be available or properly configured in the system.
  Data Entry Error: A user may have inadvertently entered an invalid value (like zero or a negative number) in the field where the character width is specified.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Font Metrics:
  
  Go to the transaction code SE78 (SAP ArchiveLink) or SE73 (SAPscript Font Maintenance) to check the font settings.
  Ensure that the character width for the font you are using is set to a positive value.
  
  
  
  Modify the Form:
  
  If you are using Smart Forms, open the Smart Form in transaction SMARTFORMS and check the text elements where the font is defined.
  Ensure that the character width is set correctly and is greater than zero.
  
  
  
  Review Text Elements:
  
  In SAPscript, check the text elements in the form and ensure that the font metrics are correctly defined.
  If you are using a custom font, ensure that it is properly installed and configured in the system.
  
  
  
  Test with Standard Fonts:
  
  If you are using a custom font, try switching to a standard SAP font (like Arial or Helvetica) to see if the error persists. This can help identify if the issue is with the custom font.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on configuring fonts and metrics in SAPscript and Smart Forms.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional troubleshooting steps.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered and resolved similar issues.
  Testing: After making changes, always test the form or script to ensure that the error is resolved and that the output is as expected.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the PO426 error and ensure that your SAPscript or Smart Forms are functioning correctly.