Skip to main content
J
JEL888
Known Participant
March 5, 2017
Answered

Do you need distiller?

  • March 5, 2017
  • 4 replies
  • 27831 views

I can't be the only person who has hunted the web and Adobe forums (without resolution) to know if you need both distiller and acrobat pro?  If all I need to do it open, modify and create pdf's do I need distiller?  Also, Adobe apps are driving me batty with all the bloatware added when you install an app.  All I want to use is acrobat pro, period.  Why to I have creative cloud app manager, distiller, etc...?  And HOW can I get rid of everything except the bare minimum I need to run adobe acrobat pro?

[moved by moderator from non-technical lounge to Creating PDFs]

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer jane-e

    Distiller is a 20 year old workflow that has been replaced by newer, better methods, but is still used occasionally in rare specialized instances. You probably don't need it. But Acrobat needs it, and some people still need it for the specialized reasons.

    Here is a recent discussion (started by me!)

    Print InDesign document to PostScript file

    4 replies

    A
    Anonymous
    April 27, 2021

    Distiller may be able to convert PostScript into PDF, but there are new ways to convert them. You can now convert them in a safe online converter or possibly download a reliable app like Converter Bot. But some people still need it for their own purposes, so just either use Distiller or use something else.

    Memoir
    Memoir
    Participant
    March 20, 2017

    You need Distiller to prepare artwork for most newspapers, at least here in Australia. i.e., Custom job options. See Fairfax Media's Ad Specs​ for Print in a newspaper.

    regards,

    Marcus

    Dov Isaacs
    Dov Isaacs
    Legend
    March 21, 2017

    Pretty sad commentary on the workflows and knowledge of the Australian newspapers if that is really true! 

    Following the link you provided and reading the specifications provided indicates absolute ignorance in terms of the technology, programs involved and how they work, and the quality of PDF produced via various methods.

    The recommendation / requirement to product PDF from InDesign or Illustrator by saving an EPS file and then distilling same to PDF is absolutely ludicrous. There is absolutely nothing better about such PDF compared to PDF directly exported from InDesign or saved from Illustrator. Are these folks modern-day Rip Van Winkles?

              - Dov

    - Dov Isaacs, former Adobe Principal Scientist (April 30, 1990 - May 30, 2021)
      J
      JEL888Author
      Known Participant
      March 5, 2017

      So the      newer is yes because Acrobat needs it (because I don't foe the special reasons I've seen mentioned to include those in the discussion you mentioned, which I had see.  Thanks!  I won't delete it then. 

      T
      Test Screen Name
      Legend
      March 5, 2017

      If you're in Windows Distiller is the engine behind making most PDFs, except those from Adobe's Creative Cloud apps. On no account delete it.

      J
      JEL888Author
      Known Participant
      March 5, 2017

      Mine is on Mac, but as I understood from "jane-e" apparently Acrobat Pro needs Distiller to function correctly (and I assume on a Mac too), so I'll keep it.  Thanks both of you for your help!

      jane-e
      Community Expert
      jane-eCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      March 5, 2017

      Distiller is a 20 year old workflow that has been replaced by newer, better methods, but is still used occasionally in rare specialized instances. You probably don't need it. But Acrobat needs it, and some people still need it for the specialized reasons.

      Here is a recent discussion (started by me!)

      Print InDesign document to PostScript file

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices