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chriss32740284
chriss32740284
Participant
February 19, 2020
Answered

Why does the PDF and the InDesign file differ in font treatment?

  • February 19, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 475 views

My InDesign file has a font size of 6pt (90% condensed). I know...not ideal, but it is what it is... the PDF is generated. If I was to drag the file into Illustrator (I don't know why? Just because I can!) the font size has changed to 5.4pt, no longer condensed, but 111% extended vertically. So, it appears optically to match the 6pt type of the original InDesgn file. Why does it do this?! 

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Laubender

    Because Illustrator is not perfect. And obviously is lacking features a PDF can have.

    My advice: Never regard Illustrator as a tool for editing PDFs.

     

    Regards,
    Uwe Laubender

    ( ACP )

    2 replies

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 19, 2020
    That's what I would expect. Illustrator is not a general purpose PDF editor.

    Why would you even think to do this?
    chriss32740284
    chriss32740284Author
    Participant
    February 19, 2020

    I understand your question! In the project process, someone far down the pipeline is checking the font size accuracy, but is using Illustrator to confirm. The recommendation, as I see it, is that they should confirm type sizes through Acrobat. Thanks!

      L
      Community Expert
      LaubenderCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 19, 2020

      And with Acrobat Pro DC there are preflight profiles that can do this very well.

       

      Regards,
      Uwe Laubender

      ( ACP )

        L
        Community Expert
        LaubenderCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
        Community Expert
        February 19, 2020

        Because Illustrator is not perfect. And obviously is lacking features a PDF can have.

        My advice: Never regard Illustrator as a tool for editing PDFs.

         

        Regards,
        Uwe Laubender

        ( ACP )

          chriss32740284
          chriss32740284Author
          Participant
          February 19, 2020

          Thanks for your reply. There is no editting involved. It's out of our control as to who and how someone confirms the accuracy of the type size, but I have the recommendation. 

          BobLevine
          Community Expert
          BobLevineCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          February 19, 2020
          Anyone doing this should be removed from process immediately. They have no business being involved.
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