PDF Creation Guide

PDF (Portable Document File) is a relatively new and convenient way to view and send files without the worry of things moving or changing in the transfer process, or the hassle of including fonts and graphics. Unlike native files from programs such as InDesign, Publisher and Quark Xpress, PDF files are very difficult and sometimes impossible to edit. In fact, PDF files were never meant to be edited. If they are set up incorrectly it can cause delays and extra charges if we need to do any work to them. Here are some tips for making a print ready PDF.

• Set up files with crop marks and bleeds when needed. It is many times impossible to go back into a PDF and make it bleed. Unlike the native file you can not simply grab onto the edge and move or stretch items to bleed off the page.
• Make sure that the native file is set up with the basic file requirements that we have listed. Again if there is no gripper margin or a file is not set up with appropriate gutter space, we are very limited in what we can do to adjust the file.
• Adjust the photos and graphics so they look the way you want them to print. There are no photo editing tools available for PDF files.
• Make sure that if it is a color PDF all of the colors are in the proper color space. Also make sure that black and white files are in fact set up as black and white. If there are colored items in a file printing black and white, the colors will print as a screen rather than the solid that was intended.

PDF Settings

When creating a PDF file for any of Econoprint’s output devices it is important to use the following settings:

• Turn the compression settings off or set Bicubic Downsampling to 300 dpi for Color Images and Grayscale Images and 1200 dpi for Monochrome Images.
• Embed All Fonts
• Leave Color Unchanged
• The rest of the PDF settings can be left at the default settings for Press Optimized

Using A Microsoft® Product?

This document describes how to create a PDF from Microsoft® products. These steps assume that the full version of Adobe Acrobat® (not just Adobe Reader®) is installed on your PC.

Microsoft® Products & Econoprint