Tag: PDF

Exporting your Perfect Bound Book as a PDF File

File > Export > Adobe PDF (print)

Body File
Export your body/inside file as Pages

Cover File
Export your cover file as Spreads

Marks & Bleeds
Check Crop Marks, Bleed Marks, and Use Document Bleed Settings.

Offset
0.125″

Viewing
Check Video PDF after Exporting to be sure that your PDF file looks correct.

Make sure to open your PDF in Acrobat.

File Examples

When you open your two files in Acrobat, this is what they should look like

If you want the inside of your cover to be something other than the paper color, make sure your cover file has two pages. The inside of the front cover is on the left and the inside of the back cover is on the right.

Need Extra Help?

If you have further questions about file setup, please contact us by email or by scheduling a consultation.

Quick Tip #3

PDF Export Preset & Settings 

PDF documents can be exported using many different settings depending on the desired output destination (print, web, working file, etc.).

PDF Tips 

There are many ways to create a PDF file, but not all of them work well for professional printing and/or file sharing. The way in which you create a PDF can dramatically alter the quality of your printing.

The Imaging Center recommends using PDF/X-1a for most print submissions.

PDF/X-1a 

  • All transparency and layers are flattened
  • Spot colors are maintained
  • RGB content is converted to CMYK

PDF/X-4 

  • This is a newer PDF standard that takes advantage of modern prepress processes.
  • Retains live transparency & layers
  • Retains CMYK, RGB, LAB, and spot colors
  • Intended for workflows that support live transparencies
  • Definitely worth trying to use!

Recommended Changes to Settings

Marks & Bleed: Only include crop & bleed marks if the file set up for that item requires it. Click ‘Use Document Bleed Settings’ to include previously setup bleed, usually should be set to 0.125″(1/8″)

Output Color Conversion: Change to No Conversion & Include all Profiles

Quick Tip #1

To streamline the printing process, please combine multiple like-sized PDF (or .jpg) files into one single PDF file. 

Option 1

File > Create > Combine Files into a Single PDF

Please note, the Imaging Center cannot print a PDF portfolio. 

Acrobat - Combine Files
Option 2

Select the Add Files button in the left-hand corner of the Combine Files dialog box. In this dialog box, you will be able to select additional files to be included in the combined PDF. 

You can drag and drop files to make sure that the files are in the correct page order.

Select the largest file size via the icons within the Options menu located in the center of the dialog box. 

Select Combine. 

Video Tutorial

IC Quick Tip | Combining Multiple Files into a Single PDF file