Pdf printer doesn't install on macOS

[Tito Matheus]

My Adobe DC doesn`t install the "PDF Printer" on mac system when install the program.

I uninstall, reinstall, uninstall all programs and the Creative Cloud (and clear fix them) and re-install again......and.....nothing.

I need the Adobe PDF Printer because need make a booklet built on Indesign. (I use .ps and distiller after, but this method is very boring)

How install the PDF Printer manually on mac?

[Dov Isaacs · Accepted solution]

You absolutely can't.

Changes made in MacOS a number of releases ago prevented Adobe from continuing to provide this functionality.

Manual creation of PostScript and feeding the Distiller (what you are currently doing and deem “very boring”) is the only alternative.

          - Dov

[Tito Matheus]

Thanks Dov for your consideration!

I am disappointed for it. For me, it is step backward, for both, Adobe and Apple.

I hope so for a easy solution soon.

Thanks

[Dov Isaacs]

I wish that fixing your problem was easier.

The fact is that the PDF produced by direct export from InDesign is much higher quality PDF than that produced by distilling PostScript. PDF via distillation of PostScript “ruins” transparency (PostScript has no such concept as transparency and as such, transparency is flattened at some resolution at the time PostScript is generated) causing any number of side effects. The resultant PDF is not color-managed. It is also true that the PostScript generated by InDesign (and for that matter Illustrator) is designed for direct printing to a physical PostScript device, not for PDF creation. This can cause issues with search, touch-up, etc.

In terms of general workflow, the best place to create booklets or do other imposition is at the RIP or for digital printers, at the devices DFE (Digital Front End). Alternatively, if printing directly from Acrobat, another “better” alternative is to do the imposition of the PDF pages in Acrobat itself. There are a number of third party Acrobat plug-in products (extra cost of course) that do an excellent job of creating booklets, n-up, step-and-repeat, etc. imposition tasks. Some examples are PDF Snake and Quite Imposing.

Maybe if enough customers were to ask for it (post in ​Feature Requests​ forum), Adobe might consider adding PDF file imposition within Acrobat Pro?!? 

          - Dov

[Tito Matheus]

Hi Dov

Your observation was correct! This is the real difficulty!

I will look for third party plug-in to make it, (or ask my RIP service if they make this). But I wish make my self.

I will regard your suggestion: post in feature request forum. But I believe is better make an update on Booklet build (PDF directly) on Indesign than make it on Acrobat DC (or both ).

Thanks DOV!!!