1 Reply Latest reply: May 16, 2014 1:58 PM by Willi Adelberger RSS

    Save Illustrator PDF for unknown usage

    LAOPeroxide Community Member
    LAOPeroxide Mar 10, 2014 3:10 AM

      Does anyone have any thoughts/recommendations for how to best save an Illustrator file as a PDF when the end use of the PDF is unknown?

       

      Here's the context:

       

      I'm designing a logo in for a client who is not currently working with any specific printer and will simply be holding onto the artwork until he's ready to use it. Since this prevents me from creating a lot of files with end-use in mind, I'm trying to give him a variety of files for high-quality printing so that he's not limited by a single format further down the road. I've created AI files and EPS files for offset printing, and I would like to provide PDFs as well. However, I can't create a PDF to match the specifications of a specific printer (since there isn't one). Are there optimal settings for a PDF so that it can be modified to suit a variety of outputs at a later date?

       

      Are there any other file formats you'd recommend in this situation?

       

      I'm working in Illustrator CS4, in U.S Web Coated SWOP v.2, and I have access to Photoshop CS5 and Reader X. The Illustrator artwork contains only 3 colours (I have 2 versions- one in process colour and one in Pantone), and the colour areas are broad and flat. I have no transparency or gradients, and all fonts have been converted to outlines.

       

      Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I'm an amateur trying to learn more about workflow/prepress, so I'd love to hear your thoughts!

       

        • 1. Re: Save Illustrator PDF for unknown usage
          Willi Adelberger Community Member
          Willi Adelberger May 16, 2014 1:58 PM (in response to LAOPeroxide)

          Save you file as AI with PDF compatibility. This will save the file with 2 forks, one is the AI part, which keeps the ability alive to work in Illustrator without loss and a PDF which includes everything what you need for print.

          You can also save as PDF with Illustrator's editing capabilities, it's the same as previous only with the extension PDF.

           

          Don't use a PDF/X-1a or X3. Don't use any PDF1.3 or older, these PDFs are flattening transparency.

          Don't create a PDF via printing, only via Saving as…

          Don't use EPS anymore because it will also reduce transparency.

           

          If you will later remove the ability to edit the file, save as PDF/X-4.