How to create a high-resolution PDF

Written on the 15 August 2012 by Snap Marketing

Its common practice for printers to ask for high-resolution PDFs of your artwork or document for printing. But what is a high-resolution PDF, how do you create it and why do you need it? Weve got the answers here.

What is a PDF?

A PDF is a Portable Document Format, created by Adobe Acrobat, which enables documents to be displayed without corruption across all browsers, software, hardware and operating systems. Each PDF combines the texts, fonts, graphics and any other necessary display information of a file into a fixed layout, flat document, which is usually not editable. All computers can display PDF documents but might need Adobe software to create a PDF from other file formats.

How do I create a PDF?

From Microsoft Word documents to PDF

Click File.
Select Print.
In the Print dialogue box, click the drop-down box listing your installed printers.
Select your PDF creation software on the list (for example, if youre using Adobe Acrobat, select Adobe PDF).
Click OK.

The PDF file will open automatically once the file has saved.

From Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign files to print-ready PDF

If youre creating a professionally designed document, your graphic designer might work in Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign. All three design programs follow the same PDF creator route.

Open your file.
Select PDF as the format.
Set Adobe PDF Preset to Press Quality.
Set Compatibility to Acrobat 6 (PDF1.5).
If youre working with InDesign or Illustrator, set Bleeds to 0.124 inch on all sides, in the Marks and Bleeds section.
In the Output section, set Colour Conversion to Convert to Destination (Preserve Numbers).
Set Destination to US Sheetfed Coated v2.
Set Profile Inclusion Policy to Dont Include Profiles.
Click Save PDF.

The benefits of PDF files

Easy and faster to transfer between computers.
Readable across browsers and devices.
Reduced file size for increased storage space.
Increased graphics scalability.
Non-editable soft copies will ensure your work is protected.

If you need help with your design and printing requirements, contact your local Snap Centre today. With our knowledge and expertise in graphic design and print, well ensure you leave with a premium quality, beautiful print.