Steps to creating a PDF File with Acrobat Distiller
Step 1: Check your original file before saving it as a
PDF file.
A. Make sure the page size matches the finished size
of the piece. Single page, reader spreads.
B. Make sure all fonts used are available to your
system (including those used in placed EPS files) or
change type to outline in your EPS file to avoid
problems.
C. Check that all linked images are updated and none
are “missing” or have been “modified”.
D. All images need to be high resolution (no jpeg, pict,
lzw or 72-dpi images).
E. Make sure all images are CMKY or grayscale.
F. If your file bleeds, create a custom page size to
allow for the bleed image (1/8” is recommended per
side that bleeds) and show crop marks.
Step 2: Use a postscript print driver such as Adobe PS
or Acrobat Distiller Postscript Printer Description (PPD)
file.
Specify your paper size in the application’s print
dialog box, choose letter, legal, tabloid, or a custom
page size. Make the page size match the finished size
of the piece. Make the page a little larger to include
bleed, if needed. (1/8” is recommended per side that
bleeds).
Include all document fonts. Embed all fonts, and
subset at 100%. Make sure you include both Postscript
Type 1 and TrueType fonts or your file may not print
correctly. Include images, do not optimize. Color setting
needs to be “composite”, Do not separate the file.
Save or write as a postscript file under the print
menu.
Step 3: Open Acrobat Distiller. Choose “Press” from
the Job Options. From the top menu select “Settings”
and scroll down to “Job Options”.
Under General: Choose Acrobat 4.0, Do not
optimize. Set binding on “Left” and resolution at
“2400” dpi. Set Default Page Size to match the
finished size of the piece. Make the page a little larger
to include bleed, if needed. (1/8” is recommended per
side that bleeds).
Under Compression: Set color and grayscale
compression to “Bicubic Downsampling” to 300 dpi for
images above 450 dpi. Compression “Zip”, quality
“8-bit”. Set Monochrome images compression to
“Bicubic Downsampling” to 1,200 dpi for images above
1,800 dpi. Compression “Zip”. Compress text and
lineart.
Under Fonts: Embed all fonts, and subset embedded
fonts when less than 100%. When embedding fails,
cancel job.
Under Color: Set color settings to “none”.
Color management “leave color unchanged” and intent
set to “default”. Device dependent data: Preserve
overprint settings. Preserve undercolor removal and
preserve transfer functions.
Under Advanced: Options: ✓ the following ... Allow
postscript file to override job file. Preserve level 2 copy
page semantics. Save portable job ticket inside PDF
file. Illustrator overprint mode. Convert gradients to
smooth shades.
DSC: ✓ the following ... Process DSC comments.
Resize page and center artwork for EPS files. Preserve
EPS information from DSC. Preserve OPI comments.
Preserve document information from DSC.
Choose “Save As” to save your settings for future
use. Then click OK and distill your file.
Proof your job on screen. Carefully check your file for
any problems. Look at all images and fonts to see that
they are correct, and displayed correctly. Print out the
file and check it to your original. Make any changes or
corrections before sending it to us.
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