Postscripts not converting to PDFs

[natalie_5648]

Hello,

I have exported Acrobat files into postscript files. When I try to convert the same files back into pdfs, I receive this message "Adobe Acrobat could not open [file] because it is either not a supported file type or because the file has been damaged. 

Postscripts are supported file types and how are multiple files damaged simply from converting them from pdfs into postscript files? I need to convert high resolution files into low resolution files that can be emailed.

Any helpful insights would be appreciated. Thanks!

[try67]

Why are you trying to "re-fry" PDF files in this way?

Also, what's the exact version number of the application (You can find it out by going to Help - About Adobe Acrobat)? And what's your OS version?

[natalie_5648]

I am processing the files this way because this is how my department has been processing high resolution pdfs to low resolution pdfs for years in order to email the graphic filled files. I save high resolution files to postscript files and use Distiller to turn those postscripts into very low resolution pdfs that are able to be emailed.

I am using Adobe Acrobat on Creative Cloud which is always updated. My computer is running macOS Sonoma.

Using this version of Adobe Acrobat, there is no longer the option to turn the pdf into a postscript by selecting the "save as" option. Now the file turns into a postscript by exporting the file. When I try to open the postscript, I receive the same message that the postscript is not a supported file or is corrupt. I get the same message when I use the "convert to pdf" tool.

[natalie_5648]

I am running Acrobat DC Pro on CC. It is a continuous release and the version right now is 2024.002.20759

[Bernd Alheit]

Convert the file with the Distiller.

[JR Boulay]

I am processing the files this way because this is how my department has been processing high resolution pdfs to low resolution pdfs for years in order to email the graphic filled files. I save high resolution files to postscript files and use Distiller to turn those postscripts into very low resolution pdfs that are able to be emailed.

This is not a good practice, you should use File: Save as other: Optimized PDF

This process can be automated using the Action Wizard.

[Tariq Ahmad]

Hi @natalie_5648, 

I'm following up to see if your issue is still happening. If so, please let us know, and we'd be happy to assist. 

Sorry for the troubled experience and delayed response.

~Tariq 

[Kelley318775212sse]

@Tariq Ahmad would it be possible for you to give a brief step by step to converting a post Script back to PDF? 

[Tariq Ahmad]

Sure, @Kelley318775212sse!
Thanks for reaching out. 

Ensure you have Adobe Acrobat. This is not possible with Adobe Reader(a freeware app).

Below are clear, step-by-step instructions for converting PostScript (.ps / .prn) to PDF using Adobe Acrobat Distiller (recommended) and Adobe Acrobat (Pro). I also include how to batch/automate with Distiller’s watched folders option. 

Method A — Adobe Acrobat Distiller (GUI) — recommended for fidelity

1. Locate your .ps / .prn file (make a working copy in a folder you control).

2. Open Adobe Acrobat Distiller. (Start menu → Adobe → Acrobat Distiller, in a Windows machine, or from the Acrobat tools if your installation exposes it.). In Mac, search for Acrobat Distiller or go to Applications> Adobe Acrobat, expand and select Distiller.

3. Choose a Job Options preset before converting:

• From the Distiller window, use the Settings (or Job Options) dropdown and pick a preset such as High Quality Print, Press Quality, Smallest File Size, or PDF/A.

• To change the preset details: choose the Job Options / Settings editor (often Settings → Edit Adobe PDF Settings…) and adjust: Compatibility (Acrobat version), image downsampling, compression, and fonts. Save as a .joboptions if you want a custom preset.

• Important settings to consider (details below).

4. Convert the file:

• Drag the .ps / .prn file into the Distiller window OR use File → Open (or File → Start) and select the PostScript file.

• Distiller will process and produce a .pdf (same filename). The output location is either the same folder as the source or an output folder you set in a watched-folder configuration (see the batch section).

5. Inspect the PDF in Acrobat/Reader for layout, fonts, images, and color. If something looks wrong, tweak the job options and reconvert.

Method B — Adobe Acrobat (Create PDF) — quick single file (uses Distiller under the hood)

1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro.

2. Go to Tools → Create PDF (or File → Create → PDF From File…).

3. Browse to your .ps or .prn file and choose Open / Create. Acrobat will call Distiller in the background and create the PDF.

4. Review the PDF and, if needed, reprocess via Distiller for more control (fonts/compatibility/etc).

Method C — Batch conversion with Distiller “Watched Folders”

1. Create two folders somewhere (e.g., C:\Distiller\Input and C:\Distiller\Output).

2. In Distiller, configure a Watched Folder (Distiller exposes a watched-folder feature): assign the Input folder, choose the Job Options preset for that folder, and set the Output folder.

3. Drop multiple .ps files into the Input folder. Distiller will automatically convert each file to PDF and place the results in the Output folder.

4. For large automated workflows, place Distiller on a machine that remains running and monitored.

For more information on Acrobat Distiller, please visit this article: https://adobe.ly/3VIB1U5

Let us know how it works and if you have further questions. 

Best regards,
Tariq | Adobe Community Team