Saving as PDF, use the same image on all pages to save space?

[kevinsorbo]

I'm doing a 5 page layout in Illustrator and I'm saving it out as a multi-page PDF file. I have a background vector graphic at 10% opacity on all 5 pages. when I save it as a PDF the file size is huge because that background vector graphic is there 5 times, once on each page. Is there some way I can just have one instance of that image, and let it know to paste it on all 5 pages, like having them reference the origianl graphic? This would save a ton of space on file size.

 

[jimoblak]

Illustrator is designed for single page work. InDesign would accomplish what you want.

 

[kevinsorbo]

Illustrator is capable of doing a multi-page layout. It also supports this feature under PDF file types. My office does not own InDesign. Is there a way to accomplish this task using Illustrator? Are there options for repeating an image on every page?

 

[jimoblak]

I did not say Illustrator could not do multi-page layouts. I said it was designed for single page layouts.

Unless you are doing something different than what I am familiar with, the way that Illustrator does multipage output sends redundant data to produce the PDF. You need a true multipage authoring program that can intelligently produce multipage PDF files.

InDesign is offered as a fully-functional 30-day trial.

If you are committed to doing this in Illustrator, experiment with a placed background file. Pasting multiple copies of your art causes the large file. Look at making multiple references instead.

 

[kevinsorbo]

Perfect. The "place graphic" did exactly what I needed. It made a reference to one image and reproduced it 5 times, while only taking up the space of the original image.

I was afraid that if I used 'place image' i would need to send that image along with the PDF, but it turns out, the PDF is smart enough to package that external file inside the PDF.

Thanks for your suggestion.

-cheers