5 Replies Latest reply: Jan 19, 2010 7:54 AM by TCarp RSS

    Novice: Can I add vector graphics to a pdf?

    TCarp Community Member

      Have Acrobat Pro 7 but have been using it only for creating simple pdfs from Office documents.

       

      I'm starting my education on other capabilities.

       

      Can I add vector graphics (shapes, text) to a pdf or do I need to get the pdf into a tool like AI first?

       

      We're going to be working with maps (GIS output) and, to start, I'm assuming we'll want the maps as pdfs.  In some cases we'll want to add some markup.

       

      Thanks

       

      Tom

        • 1. Re: Novice: Can I add vector graphics to a pdf?
          CtDave CommunityMVP

          As PDF is, essentially, a "non-editable" format (aside from minor touchups) you'll want to work content in an authoring application.
          Output a PDF, containing the vector graphics, from an authoring application.
          Provide the desired PDF page content in an authoring application as well.

           

          Be well...

          • 2. Re: Novice: Can I add vector graphics to a pdf?
            Bill@VT CommunityMVP

            As mentioned, Acrobat is not really an editing environment. However, there are some basic drawing tools on the TOOLS menu that may meet your need. It may depend on what you are wanting to try to do with vector graphics. The tools here are limited, but might be all that you are looking for.

            • 3. Re: Novice: Can I add vector graphics to a pdf?
              TCarp Community Member

              Thanks for the posts.  I'll check out Tools.  Our needs are pretty simple so that might work.

               

              I realized that I may be asking the wrong question so I'm going to post a new thread on high-quality GIS output.

               

              Tom

              • 4. Re: Novice: Can I add vector graphics to a pdf?
                Bill@VT CommunityMVP

                If it is just a restatement or clarification of your problem, please just ask it here (at least that is my opinion) so we can keep it in context.

                • 5. Re: Novice: Can I add vector graphics to a pdf?
                  TCarp Community Member

                  I did post at the Acrobat forum but per your suggestion I'll repeat the relevant parts here.

                   

                  My real question has to do with the GIS output destined for high-quality print.  I've assume that we would get files as PDFs but would need every so often to add some vector markup.

                   

                  I'm beginning to get an understanding of PDFs and now have questions about high-quality print thus the shift to the Acrobat forum.

                   

                  Remember I'm a novice when it comes to understanding PDFs.  I've leared to think of them more as a box for output.  That I can get my brain around.  What I don't understand is where in the workflow from GIS to printer/plotter I need to consider output quality (e.g. dpi)?

                   

                  Tom