Issue creating multiple print marks on one page

[hayesk87489376]

I have a PDF with 20 separate square images(file is too large to upload). I am trying to add crop marks to each individual image.

I've tried the print production set boxes, but I can only seem to add one trim box per page?

All advice is appreciated!

[Dov Isaacs · Accepted solution]

By definition, i.e. the ISO 32000 PDF specification, you can only have one trim box per page. And thus, Acrobat only provides the ability to provide one set of printer marks (including trim marks) per page. Normally, the process which you are attempted would be done by producing a 20 page PDF file, one image per page, and letting the RIP/DFE do the “imposition” when printing (or in some cases, into a single, PDF file).

          - Dov

[hayesk87489376]

Does Adobe have a DFE? or do I need to purchase a DFE / could you recommend any software (free or paid?)

Thanks,

Hayes

[Dov Isaacs]

A “DFE” is a Digital Front End, i.e. a RIP for a digital printer. Adobe does provide software through its OEM partners for this purpose (the Adobe PDF Print Engine), but even that, by itself, doesn't do imposition and/or creation of a new PDF from imposing pages of an existing PDF file.

One product that can do this imposition work within Acrobat itself is a third party plug-in to Acrobat, Quite Imposing Plus from Quite Software. However, it is fairly expensive unless you are planning to do an awful lot of this type of work.

          - Dov

[Abambo]

The poor man's solution to the problem is using Illustrator or Indesign for this.

• Create a big sheet to hold what you want on a page.
• Place your (linked) PDF files on that page.
• Add whatever you want to add to your design.
• Export to a new PDF.

We use that for "imposing" business cards or other small prints to get multiple items on one A4/A3 page to be cut to size. Works pretty well.