Copresco’s Recommendations To Save You Time and Money with PDF Files: November 2003 Overnight Lite

Copresco’s recommendations...

To Save You Time and Money with PDF Files

Using Adobe’s Acrobat software to create PDF (Portable Document Format) files will simplify printing of your work at Copresco. We suggest you utilize PDF to save time and money.
You are probably already using PDF files for reasons besides commercial printing. Our February 2001 Overnight Lite showed how to create a PDF for digitally proofing books.

Well Received

Some other common uses of PDF include e-mail transmission of documents, web posting and electronic forms. PDFs for internet use retain their format and can be read by anyone, whether or not they have the same software and hardware as the creator.
All these have their place, but all have one thing in common: if PDF files are properly constructed for the aforementioned uses, they will not be suitable for digital printing!

Why Not?

The very properties that make a PDF suitable for online use will make it unusable for print. For example, internet-destined PDF files should contain no fonts. This makes the files smaller so they send, receive, and open faster. Yet the advantage disappears when the file is sent to Copresco, where the #1 print problem is… missing fonts!

As Simple as A, B, C

To create PDF files that will output smoothly, follow these simple guidelines:

Create the file from scratch. Unless you know for a fact that a PDF was created specifically for commercial print output, don’t assume that it is of print quality. The majority of PDF files are not. The way to avoid unexpected results when you see your press proofs is to create the PDF yourself.
Use Acrobat Distiller. This used to be the only way to make a PDF. Now there are other PDF creation utilities, most of which are not intended for print. Even PDFMaker, which came with some versions of Acrobat, will not create acceptable print files.

Here’s a surprise: InDesign, the page layout program made by the same people who make Acrobat, has a “save as PDF” feature. Don’t use it. As of InDesign 2.0, this option, though very convenient, too often makes PDF files that choke in the printing process.

If you don’t already own Acrobat, invest a few hundred bucks in Adobe Acrobat Professional 6, which includes Distiller. This version contains many nifty new features specifically for print and publishing.
Create the file specifically for printing. Start by selecting the “print” or “press” job options in Acrobat Distiller. These settings aren’t perfect, but invoking them will usually result in acceptable (i.e., printable) PDF files. If you need to post the files online, create separate PDFs just for that purpose.
Include the fonts! In Acrobat Distiller 4 or 5, click Settings > Job Options > Fonts. Make sure both “Embed All Fonts” and “Subset All Embedded Fonts Below (100%)” are checked. Copresco will soon publish a TechTopics bulletin covering this subject in detail.
Print it out yourself. The best way to proof for print is on the printed page, not on screen. For a better test, print the PDF from a different computer than the one you created it on.
Send Copresco your print. If it prints correctly, send your copy along so that we can check our output.

So when you need digital on demand printing of books, manuals or publications, call the company that understands how to use the latest technology to make your life easier.
Call Copresco.

Xerox Innovation Award

Copresco has been honored with a Printing Innovation with Xerox Imaging Award (PIXI) for digital printing excellence.
The Award for a private school yearbook recognizes Copresco’s skillful printing and innovative use of digital technology in the digital books and manuals category.

Steve Johnson receives the Xerox Award from Gil Hatch, senior vice president, and Anne Mulcahy, chairman and CEO.

The 2003 Xerox Imaging contest, judged by leading experts in the printing industry, honors the highest achievements in digital printing.

Thanksgiving Holiday

Copresco will be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 for Thanksgiving.
Have a most enjoyable holiday weekend with the family!

Overnight Lite Main Last Month Next Month This Month's On-Line Jokes

Home Contact Us What's New Publications