Gadgets Manual

How to Create Adobe PDF Files for Print and Press guides you through the basic steps of producing PDF files from applications for high-quality output. It focuses mainly on the composite PDF workflow, but also provides some basic information about the pros and cons of a preseparated PostScript workflow. This document also explains the importance of producing good PostScript files for distilling, and describes the processes for getting there.
In conjunction with using the information in this document, it’s important to discuss print issues with your print service provider throughout the preparation, creation, and delivery phases of the PDF print workflow. A strong partnership with your service provider can yield valuable information about the capabilities of the printing environment, as well as appropriate settings and defaults that can prevent costly errors.
The processes described in this guide require the use of one or more illustration or page-layout applications and Adobe® Acrobat® 6.0 Professional. This guide covers Windows and Mac OS X versions of Adobe Photoshop® CS, Adobe Illustrator® CS, Adobe InDesign® CS, Adobe FrameMaker® 7.1 (Windows and Solaris), Adobe FrameMaker 7.0 (Mac OS), and Adobe PageMaker® 7.0.1. For non-Adobe applications, this guide provides instructions for creating PDF files using Acrobat Distiller® 6.0.
Why use a PDF workflow?
To improve reliability and throughput, print publishers are adopting PDF workflows over traditional PostScript workflows. PDF provides the reliable digital master for streamlined printing, smoother communication between customers and print houses, faster production, fewer errors, and higher quality output. When clients submit print jobs as composite PDF files instead of as preseparated PostScript files—where each color is in a different file—customers can make late-stage edits or design changes, and avoid costly delays that result when inaccurate files have to be returned or reworked by service providers.
The following list identifies some of the benefits of using a composite PDF workflow throughout the entire life cycle of a print production project:
• All elements of a document are within a single, self-contained file. This means that all the fonts, images, and graphics are included automatically when distributed for review, or when proofed or printed.

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