How-To: Create High Resolution PDFs

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Creating High Resolution PDFs

PDF files allow you the flexibility and convenience of including your layout, fonts and images all in one compact file, making them an ideal format for sending your document to the printer. However, not all PDF files are created equal. Most programs do not default to high resolution settings and may need to be changed.

There are many different ways to create a PDF. The traditional method for making a PDF is to create a postscript file and run it through Adobe Acrobat Distiller©, but many programs also offer an "Export to PDF" option. Here are some general guidelines to follow no matter what method you use:

1. COMPRESSION AND DOWNSAMPLING Many programs use compression and downsampling by default to reduce the final file size. This makes the file easier to send through e-mail or post on the internet but does not produce a high resolution file for printing. Most programs will allow you to change this. In Adobe™ programs, you will need to set the downsampling to "Do Not Downsample" and compression to "None" for each of the image types -> color images, grayscale images and monochrome images. If your images in your document are saved at the right resolution (see Adjusting Resolution), these settings will preserve the quality in your final PDF.

2. FONTS In most cases the necessary fonts for your document will be included by default, however, simply creating a PDF does not guarantee your fonts will be embedded. Some programs give you the option to select which fonts are included, but in most cases its best to include all embedded fonts.

3. BLEEDS AND CROP MARKS If your layout requires bleeds (See Creating Bleeds) it's important to include them with your PDF. By default, your PDF will be created to match your exact document size, so even if you've allowed extra image area for bleeds that extra image will be cut off from the PDF. Many programs feature options for creating bleeds and crop marks that will automatically scale the PDF document to accommodate the extra image area.

EXAMPLE: You finish your final layout in InDesign© and you are ready to send it to the printer. You go to "File - Export" to create a PDF. Under the "Compression" heading, you set set downsampling to "Do Not Downsample" and compression to "None" under "Color Images", "Grayscale Images" and "Monochrome Images". Under the "Marks and Bleeds" heading you check "Crop Marks", offset .125 inches and set your bleed for .125 inches for each side.

Just like any other file, a PDF is only as good as what you put into it. Your PDF settings will only preserve the quality of your artwork, not improve it, so it's still important to use high quality (300 dpi) artwork when setting up your document.