Export PDF for Print

[Bri30172070k27h]

Why is it that you can’t just export a PDF for print in InDesign? Instead, when you try to export for print, it gives you a PostScript file. What if I just want a PDF to preview exactly how it will print, or to send to someone for review? It seems odd that this isn’t a straightforward option, especially when the alternative is manually arranging pages.

And speaking of which, why does InDesign have to be so frustrating to use? Did anyone actually ask for AI features in InDesign, or were we just hoping for a more intuitive UI and better functionality? It feels like it’s become the design equivalent of Lightroom Classic—where old users resist change and end up stuck with a clunky, outdated interface.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

Um... exporting a PDF from ID is just about the simplest process there is. Unless you're fussy about color management, layout for commercial print (with crops and such) or exporting interactive elements, it's slightly easier than sending it to a local printer.

I honestly can't imagine how you could have much trouble or get a PS file as a result.

Can you list your PC type, platform, OS version and ID version? And list the steps you're using to get from your ID doc to an intended PDF file?

(The only explanation I can think of is that you are trying to "Print to PDF" instead of using InDesign's well-integrated and much superior export option. The various implementations of 'print to PDF' are technical hacks to allow any app to create a PDF via a pseudo print driver, and produce inferior results. From within any Adobe app, you should be using the Export option, to PDF for print (that is, probably not export to Interactive PDF). None of the export options lead to anything like a PS file, but I can see a print-to option getting sidelined that way.)

(And another thought: are you trying to print or export to a booklet layout? One of thoser options, a fairly advanced one, does indeed lead to a PS file. But you really have to go around the barn to get to that one, by installing an obscure and fairly hard to obtain PS print driver.)

[Bri30172070k27h]

I don't think I was super clear in my response. What I'm talking about is exporting a booklet, which I realize I just said export PDF for print. It should be fairly easy to export your file to a booklet where all the pages are layed out based on being saddle stiched or whatever. You can select print booklet which is what gives you a PostScript file. But if you wanted to download a pdf preview of it in the correct order, you could only do that by manually organizing the pages in your in design file.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Are you on Mac or Windows? If Windows, you can print to the AdobePDF print dirver. 

Supply your OS and software info as requested and you might get more info other than guessing.

[Peter Spier]

I don't think I was super clear in my response. What I'm talking about is exporting a booklet, which I realize I just said export PDF for print. It should be fairly easy to export your file to a booklet where all the pages are layed out based on being saddle stiched or whatever. You can select print booklet which is what gives you a PostScript file.

By @Bri30172070k27h

Yeah, InDesign doesn't do imposed PDFs directly. The rationalization is that this is a professional application, and pros send their work to commercial printers who do the imposition to fit their particular equipment.

The standard answer for procucing a PDF booklet on a home/office printer is to export a normal page order PDF, then have Acrobat print the booklet -- Acrobat has a good impostion facility.

There are also a number of scripts floating around for InDesign which will generate a new, imposed booklet file from your document.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Are you using InDesign's Print Booklet?

On a Mac, you should be able to print to PostScript and drop the file on Acrobat Distiller.

You do get a nice preview too:

[Willi Adelberger]

Do you choose File > Export … > PDF (for print or interactive)

or

File > Adobe PDF presets > choose an existing preset?

Or do you try a different way?

[Derek Cross]

A little training might help: https://www.adobe.com/learn/indesign/web/export-settings-pdf-and-print?learnIn=1