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valentinf43688202
Known Participant
May 17, 2023
Question

PDF for printing

  • May 17, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 458 views

 

Hello everyone

I have just designed a book and I have to generate the pdf file to send to the printer, until now I have only worked for epub versions. I have various doubts.
1.- Should I generate the pdf file from the Export, Print option or from the Print brochure option?
2.- Should I send the pdf file obtained or the files obtained when packaging the project?

 

Thank you for the help I will receive

This topic has been closed for replies.

2 replies

T
Test Screen Name
Legend
May 17, 2023

The only good way to make PDF is export. Choose the settings according to what the print shop tells you. Definitely not print brochure. The printer will not want you trying to pair pages or lay them out for printing a sheet. They may well charge extra to undo all the extra work you've made for them. What you need to do, I agree, is talk to the printer. It's normal to the there must be an "industry standard" which all the experienced users do - but no. Communication is vital. The real skill lies in managing to communicate through a layer of sales people who don't want you to. 

V
valentinf43688202Author
Known Participant
May 18, 2023
Thank you very much for your prompt help, I will contact the printer
Peter Spier
Community Expert
Peter SpierCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 17, 2023

You should always ask the printer for what they want, but in general you should be using File > Export > PDF (Print)...

If they will accept it, PDF/X-4 is geneally considered the best option today -- it preserves color information and transparency for optimal output and allows the printer to make the correct color conversions for his equipment. There are, however, some prinnters still who insist on pre-flattened and color-converted files. If you are usinmg one of them, ask for the correct color profile for conversion.

Your PDF should be single pages, not spreads. Only the printer knows how he will arrange the pages on the larger print sheet (called imposition) and he cannot do his job if you provide a PDF set up as a booklet.

    V
    valentinf43688202Author
    Known Participant
    May 18, 2023
    Thank you very much for your prompt help
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