How To Fix TD431 - Character "&" is not defined in the current font &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: TD - SAPscript: Text editor, composer, forms, styles and fonts

• Message number: 431

• Message text: Character "&" is not defined in the current font &

What causes this issue?

A character was found during text formatting which is not known in the
font currently used.

System Response

The character is replaced by the hash, <H>#</> , when output.

How to fix this error?

Characters entered in the editor must satisfy the following conditions
in order to be printed:
1. It must be possible to assign the hex code of the character to an
SAP character (a system-wide unique character name) via the system
character set or via a character set belonging to the font family.
2. There must be an entry for the SAP character in the font metrics of
the printer font currently used which also indicates the width of the
character. A single CPI entry is sufficient for unproportional fonts as
the width of all characters is the same. In the case of proportional
fonts, there must be an entry for each printable character.
3. The character set of the printer used must contain the SAP
character.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Please check whether the specified character fulfills all three
conditions.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message TD431 - Character "&" is not defined in the current font & ?

  The SAP error message TD431 indicates that a specific character, in this case, the ampersand ("&"), is not defined in the current font being used for output. This issue typically arises when generating print layouts, forms, or documents in SAP that utilize specific fonts that do not support certain characters.
  Cause:
  
  Font Limitations: The font being used in the SAPscript or Smart Forms does not include the character "&". This can happen if a non-standard or custom font is being used.
  Character Encoding Issues: The character set or encoding used in the document may not support the character.
  Form Configuration: The form or layout may not be configured correctly to handle special characters.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Change the Font: 
  
  Switch to a standard font that supports the ampersand character. Common fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or SAP's standard fonts usually support a wide range of characters.
  You can change the font in the SAPscript or Smart Forms editor.
  
  
  
  Check Character Set:
  
  Ensure that the character set used in the form supports the required characters. For example, using Unicode can help in supporting a wider range of characters.
  
  
  
  Modify the Form:
  
  If you are using Smart Forms, check the text elements and ensure that the correct font is assigned to the text nodes.
  In SAPscript, check the layout set and ensure that the correct font is being used in the relevant sections.
  
  
  
  Test with Different Outputs:
  
  Try generating the output in different formats (e.g., PDF, print) to see if the issue persists across all formats.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidance on font usage and character support in SAPscript and Smart Forms.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAPscript and Smart Forms: These are tools used in SAP for designing print layouts. Understanding how to configure fonts and text elements is crucial for resolving such issues.
  Character Encoding: Familiarize yourself with character encoding standards (like UTF-8) that can help in supporting a broader range of characters.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to font handling and character support.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to your SAP support team or consult with an SAP expert for further assistance.