But i get deeper into the is instructions, and they tell me it cant be any old pdf format, it has to be either pdf x1a. Do not downsample all 3, check compress text and line art, check crop image data to frames 3. For example, in pdfx1a all fonts need to be embedded and all images need to be cmyk or spot colors. Under advanced set transparency flattener to high resolution. Choosing the best pdf preset for printing in indesign. In this twostage research project, the end usability of both pdfx1a. The pdfx1a format limits colour spaces in a way which older versions of the pdfwrite devices cannot, and newer versions do not, support. Transparency effects of graphics not rendering in pdf. This allowed for the first time a reliable exchange of prepress data with cmyk and spot colors this standard has served well for many years. Pdf x1 a doesnt support transparency, so you cant produce a pdfx1a file with transparency anyway, if you try this with ghostscript it will simply create a pdf file which contains a large bitmap image. A subset of the pdf file format that is used to guarantee document exchange without human intervention. This is a version of pdf file format that was created specifically for exchanging graphics files for printing.
Other discussions in this forum do address problems with transparent pdfs or pngs, but i found no topic about problems with a simple scribus text box. The art needs to be faded slightly into the subtle textured background. Pdfx 1a is a decade old format that is a robust but rigid way to deliver a job. Both flavors share all of the restrictions that apply to pdfx 1a. This format keeps all the processing in your court. Later, i discovered that transparency is a nono in pdf x1a. Our job option settings will maintain any transparency present in your document. I will assume that your original indesign document indeed did use live transparency. So then the question becomes how do we reap the benefits of retaining transparency until output while at the same time maintaining the stability of a pdfx standard. Flattening should be done as late in the workflow as possible, preferably by the service provider.
Pdfx3 20022003 similar to pdfx1 except that rgb and lab color spaces are permitted. The purpose of pdfx is to facilitate graphics exchange, and it therefore has a series of printing related requirements which do not apply to standard pdf files. A pdfx file is intended to be more predictable because it has commonly agreedon characteristics. By the way, indesign gave me no warning about this when i exported to pdfx1a. Settings in your native application you should convert rgb.
Section 11, transparency, has been significantly rewritten. Designer weet niet wat het probleem is of heeft alle moeite om uit te leggen dat wat hij ziet op scherm geen probleem zal zijn in druk. However, if your service provider wants you to flatten transparency, submit a pdfx1a compliant file. Therefore, if you choose either of these choices, be sure to visit the advanced panel and select the high resolution transparency flattener preset to retain the quality of your type and vectors. Alternatively, you can use the pdf format known as pdfx1a. I purchased adobe acrobat x 10, and while when i choose properties and look at the results and see that all fonts look to be embedded. Several important clarifications are included in the later releases that could help you in development of products for the earlier standards.
Two key elements to this function are the requirement for pdfx documents to be 100% selfcontained, and all images need to be cmyk or spot colors. Pdfx format family pdf for prepress graphics file exchange. We will then be able to control and edit this transparency if necessary during processing. Additionally, printing a pdfx1a file must be possible without requiring prior color correction. Is there a workaround to get the same result as with pdf 1.
Pdfx4 2008 supports transparency and optional content. It is recommended that the pdf file be certified pdfx1a. Here are the steps to follow to flatten transparency. Then, select advanced from the left menu and use the transparency flattener down to make your choice. Your pdf file doesnt contain any transparency whatsoever. Pdfx is an exchange format for sending pages between a page preparation site and a printing site. Under marks and bleeds check crop marks and page information. Technical side and requirements of pdfx pdf association. Exported as pdfx 1a the transparent box is completely black.
Transparent pdf background in indesign macrumors forums. In 2005, martin baileys pdfx faq recommended continued use of pdfx1a. By the way, indesign gave me no warning about this when i exported to pdf x1a. Pdfx4 and the adobe pdf print engine graphic arts magazine. Pdfx 1a files cant include interactive items such as video, audio, nonprintable annotations, markup, etc. Rgb elements are converted to cmyk as the indesign file is converted to a pdf, photos are downsampled to 300 ppi, and transparency and layers are flattened. Click the fix all button and checkup automatically fixes most errors to produce a legal pdfx file. But with the advent of transparency in many layout applications the use of pdfx1a and also pdfx3. If your artwork contains transparency, ask your prepress service provider if they want to receive flattened or unflattened pdf files. The pdf x1a format limits colour spaces in a way which older versions of the pdfwrite devices cannot, and newer versions do not, support. Pdf x1 a doesnt support transparency, so you cant produce a pdf x1a file with transparency anyway, if you try this with ghostscript it will simply create a pdf file which contains a large bitmap image. Prepress workflow advancements utilizing pdfx4 and the. What is pdfx1a how to create or process a pdf x1a file. However, the pdf file is loaded with opacity shifts and art with transparent backgrounds.
Change default settings to our moo preferred settings. I may be wrong but to me it looks like pdfa2 allows more things than it demands in terms of new. Later, i discovered that transparency is a nono in pdfx1a. Note that the specification doesnt prohibit use of pdf 1. The only problem is that i have to send the file as pdfx1a. Something having to do with readability by whatever physical printers they go with andor making sure all the fonts are embedded.
To do this, you can go to file adobe pdf presets define as shown above, then choose pdfx1a. On december 1st 2001 iso has published the first iso standard for prepress data exchange based on pdf pdfx1a. Usersindustry segments 9 designers, creators and advertising agencies magazines and newspapers commercial print and digital printing large format printing labels and packaging. This ensures color remains consistent throughout the pdf. Pdfx 1a files contain additional markers for the media box, trim box, and bleed box if the bleed was included. Pdfx1a is not magic, its just a very well defined subset of pdf. Pdfa2b, minimum requirements, must guarantee display for longterm archival pdfa2u, like b but all text has to be unicode for display and indexing pdf3a additionally allows arbitrary attachments, this is the only difference to pdfa2.