OS X (10.4.1)
Using Quark XPress 7.3
Adobe Acrobat 8.0 professional
At times when we place pdf files created outside our office into a QuarkXPress document, then export to a pdf to go to the imagesetter via ftp site we have problems. The imagesetter is operating in a Classic environment with acrobat 5.0. The pdf looks fine on our screen here and prints fine on our laser printer, but when it goes through their system and is printed on the web press, we lose portions of the ad.
Also, there are times when text in the ad looks fine here, but then in the printed newspaper, we see dark, smudgy shadows beind the text field. I.m sure these are two questions, probably unrelated, except in my ignorance...
I tried running preflight, but I guess I don't know what I really need to do. Can you offer some suggestions?
Thanks
It sounds like this is a transparency flattening issue. When people create transparent PDF file, the flattening can make it look like elements of the file have dropped out. To see this on screen, be sure that Overprint Preview is inactive (Advanced: Print Production: Overprint Preview). To create the effect of transparency, a PDF will use overprinting white, which some RIP systems do not allow. The only thing you can do is rasterize the PDF to reomove the overprinting elements. It will, however, make your text (and other hard-adged items) look soft.
However, there are several issues here that need to be untangled a bit. First, to troubleshoot the issue, remove Quark from the workflow as a test. Try Ripping the PDF files that are failing by themselves before you fropping them into QXP. It might be that Quark is rerendering. If it turns out that removing Quark allows the PDF to print correctly, try creating the PDF from Quark differently. Either print to Distiller or Export it (whichever you are currently not doing). Of course, I have to reccomend InDesign (not because I work for Adobe, but becuase it handles placed PDF files using the same technology that Acrobat does-thus removing a variable). If Quark isn't the issue, then it might be the RIP.
Test is the compatability level of the PDF file. You are using Acrobat 5.0 technology, which may not be able to handle PDF information created in 6,7 and 8. Use preflight to determine if the files that fail require a later version of Acrobat than five. If so, you can try to use the PDF Optimizer to reset the file's compatability level. However, it may change the look of the file. The only real option here is to update your systems to a newer version of Acrobat.
Last, if your are a printerI want to strongly urge you to consider the Adobe Print Service Provider's Program. It's a fee-based program that can help you untangle these issues with a more effective technical support (unlimited to members) than we can offer here. Plus, members get one copy each of the Adobe print products for MAc and Windows.
Find it at:
Tim
I am a long-time Acrobat user, an employee of Adobe Systems, and Maine native. I have created training videos for Total Training, consulted with people to help them better use Acrobat, and developed new business for Adobe as a Business Development Manager