Digital File Considerations for Press. In order for a commercial printer to use your digital files as a source for press, it must first meet certain criteria to be press-ready. A file that is ready for commercial print is a document that is free of any problems with the following: images, fonts, bleeds, and transparencies, to name just a few. This is why proper file preparation is a necessary first step in using PDF files as a source for commercial print. Check-out the File Considerations topics from the navigational menus on the left for detailed information on preparing your projects press. Use this information before making a press-ready PDF, or submitting your files for printing.

Select a Method to Create Your PDF

Creating PDFs for commercial print can be one the slickest ways to submit files to your printer. Submitting a PDF eliminates the need for file collection, potentially speeds up the turnaround time, and eliminates concerns about program version compatibility. Once your digital files have been properly prepared and include all the necessary information, the next step is to determine the best way to generate the PDF and what high-definition settings to consider with each choice. There are primarily two different popular methods to choose from. So what difference do these two methods make?

Method 1: Using Export as PDF

One of the faster, and more reliable methods for generating a PDF is to use the Export selection found in many layout applications. Using the Export command found on both Adobe® InDesign® and QuarkXPress® to generate your PDF is one of the easiest, most efficient and reliable method available. This methods does not use Acrobat Distiller® to generate the PDF, and requires fewer steps to complete.  

Method 2: Printing a PostScript File and Using Acrobat Distiller 

Another choice is to print to a PostScript® file first, and then use Acrobat Distiller to generate a PDF. Often when you are not able to generate a PDF directly from your layout program, or do not have Adobe Acrobat® installed on your computer as a printer, there will be no choice but to first print a PostScript file of your project and then use this file in Acrobat Distiller to generate a PDF.

Either method is valid and will create a PDF. Use the links above or the navigational menus in the left column to locate the available information you need to answer your questions.

Next: You will be selecting a layout application.

To get to next step, select one of the two methods above.

Or, return to the Home menu to see all the Site Topics.