Help! I need help with pdf export settings

[jlynli]

Is there a fairly failsafe set of settings for pdf export? The file has transparency in several of the images, drop shadows, and multiply blend mode.

I know to use high resolution and high quality transparency, but am not sure whether to use [print], [press], [X-1a], or [X-3]; and if I should choose Acrobat 4 (1.3), Acrobat 5 (1.4), or Acrobat 6 (1.5).

I ask because I am not getting answers from the publisher I am supposed to email files to.

Thank you!

 

[jmgalvin]

First of all preflight the doc (file menu) to see that there are not goofs - like rgb and cmyk colors etc.

Always use a minimum of Press, not print. You're generally safest to select compatablity with Acrobat 5 if transparency is involved.

In the advanced tab, make sure that your color is consistant. Usually easiest to use "unchanged". Unless told otherwise, it's a good idea to include all printer marks.

Using OSX 10.3.9 on a G4

 

[jimoblak]

If your printer is in North America and fails to offer preferred PDF specs, use PDF/X-1a, which flattens transparency for older print service providers. Also supply printer and bleed marks as noted above.

 

[jlynli]

Thank you, thank you!! I do get a preflight message that everything is fine except I have 7 images that are rgb.How do I fix that...in PS or in InDesign?

Again, Thanks!

 

[RegistrationMark]

Careful with X1a when there is a lot of transparency effects. Press Quality is probably the way to go. however Press quality will not automatically convert your RGBs as X1a would.
Mark

 

[Eggles]

>> I have 7 images that are rgb.How do I fix that...in PS or in InDesign?<<

In Photoshop.

>>Careful with X1a when there is a lot of transparency effects. <<

Except of course if the PDF is being printed by an older RIP. Safest solution - set the document up correctly where there are transparency effects (e.g. type on topmost layer, no drop shadows over spot colours etc) and create the PDF/X-1a. Open the PDF in Acrobat and check very carefully. Any blips will show up which you must go back and fix if you are going to use x-1a.

 

[RegistrationMark]

good point by Eggles. You can also check out how a file will flatten in InDesign by opening the "Flattener Preview" palette. there's a whole dropdown menu of items to check. I use the "Raster Fill text and strokes" setting most often.
Mark

 

[jlynli]

So, remember I am just learning. What does the pink highlighting mean...what do you do about it...how can you tell how the image will really flatten if my printer prints incorrectly flattened?

Thanks!!

 

[Eggles]

Pink highlighting means the font is not availble. If you are using a font manager, check in there that the font is activated (it may be installed on your computer, but just not activated).

If you make a PDF using PDF/X-1a, and view it in Acrobat, I think any problem with transparency will show up.

 

[MarcusStringer]

Under Type>Find Font the fonts with the yellow warning sign are the ones you need to load

Marcus

http://www.midlandtypesetters.com.au