The Secret to Quality PDFs: How to Make Great-Looking PDFs Every Time!
"Often times when I transfer a file to an Adobe PDF I lose fonts and/or image quality. What am I doing wrong?"
Avant Garde Productions Client
A quality PDF begins with an original application file using such programs as QuarkXPress or Adobe InDesign or even Microsoft products like Word and Excel. The key to a quality PDF lies in the appropriate use of not only the PDF settings, but making sure your original file contains appropriate bleeds, images with adequate resolution, images in the correct color space, non-corrupt fonts and four-color process colors (as opposed to RGB or spot colors).
Images
Poor PDF images result from poor resolution photos, over-compression, and using the wrong color space. When determining the proper use of resolution, as a rule of thumb is to use PPI (pixels per inch) two times the print job's LPI (lines per inch). The two major ways to compress are ZIP and JPEG.ZIP. Only use ZIP for large color jobs and to assure quality with the JPEG use a low compression setting. Important tip: Always, always convert RGB jobs to CMYK for print jobs! If color is critical, than request a color profile from your printer.
Fonts
Certain fonts will not transfer due to licensing agreements. If you are going to purchase fonts, always test them first by adding them to a document and then converting it into a PDF. If a warning box pops up that means the font cannot be imbedded. Always tests fonts from obscure or freeware sites before starting your work.
Layout
Missing bleeds is a common problem that can easily be remedied in your original file. In the export box in QuarkXPress or Adobe In Design there is an option to include both symmetrical (typically 1/8 inch) and asymmetrical bleeds.
Don't forget, your printer can also be an excellent resource for you. Ask for the Adobe PDF settings that they recommend for creating PDFs for print production.
If you have further questions, contact Avant Garde today!
Avant Garde Productions Client
A quality PDF begins with an original application file using such programs as QuarkXPress or Adobe InDesign or even Microsoft products like Word and Excel. The key to a quality PDF lies in the appropriate use of not only the PDF settings, but making sure your original file contains appropriate bleeds, images with adequate resolution, images in the correct color space, non-corrupt fonts and four-color process colors (as opposed to RGB or spot colors).
Images
Poor PDF images result from poor resolution photos, over-compression, and using the wrong color space. When determining the proper use of resolution, as a rule of thumb is to use PPI (pixels per inch) two times the print job's LPI (lines per inch). The two major ways to compress are ZIP and JPEG.ZIP. Only use ZIP for large color jobs and to assure quality with the JPEG use a low compression setting. Important tip: Always, always convert RGB jobs to CMYK for print jobs! If color is critical, than request a color profile from your printer.
Fonts
Certain fonts will not transfer due to licensing agreements. If you are going to purchase fonts, always test them first by adding them to a document and then converting it into a PDF. If a warning box pops up that means the font cannot be imbedded. Always tests fonts from obscure or freeware sites before starting your work.
Layout
Missing bleeds is a common problem that can easily be remedied in your original file. In the export box in QuarkXPress or Adobe In Design there is an option to include both symmetrical (typically 1/8 inch) and asymmetrical bleeds.
Don't forget, your printer can also be an excellent resource for you. Ask for the Adobe PDF settings that they recommend for creating PDFs for print production.
If you have further questions, contact Avant Garde today!
posted by Paul at
3:15 PM
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