Graphics in PDF format? (Full Version)

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RickP -> Graphics in PDF format? (2/14/2007 4:06:10)

Is it possible to create a graphic in PDF format, allowing for the text element to be editable afterwards?

This question has arisen for me as I have created some ads for someone (for print) and have supplied files in .psd & .tif but now they would like a .pdf version so they can alter the text at any time. I notice that Vistaprint include .pdf as one of their recommended file types for uploading work designed for print. So does this mean that pdf files can be created to precise measurements? One obvious question is, does the client own a pdf editor, else they won't be able to edit anything in that format anyway.

I do not currently have a pdf editor and have no idea what graphic capabilities and options lurk there. Does anyone here have experience of pdf graphics?



jaybee -> RE: Graphics in PDF format? (2/14/2007 4:54:05)

I have major issues with PDFs as some I can change, some I can't. I think it very much depends on how the originator saves the file in the first place and whether they embed the fonts with it.

I have full Adobe Acrobat so it's not a limitation of software.

The other option is to find out if they have PSP or PS and then send them the file in the native format so that they can change it themselves.

Or, if you make the graphic a background, and just have text in the page and use Snippetmaster so they can change the text. Depends on what you're doing though.



RickP -> RE: Graphics in PDF format? (2/14/2007 6:18:27)

I'm assuming they don't have, or couldn't use, PSP/PS. I've also since spoken to the client who, as I suspected, doesn't own AA Editor either. They're happy that I've offered one free tweak if they need it in the near future. I think this is mainly a case of their perceptions about graphics and PDFs but I was unsure myself of what can be done this way, especially given that VistaPrint quote pdf as one of their recommended file types for, it seems, every possible print job they offer - a very wide variety of sizes!

The SnippetMaster looks interesting though - would you recommend it for sites where the client wants to do small updates themselves? Are there any catches/drawbacks to using it in a limited/limiting way for that kind of situation? Looks very similar to ContentSeed.



jaybee -> RE: Graphics in PDF format? (2/14/2007 7:16:45)

SnippetMaster is ace. Great for sites where they want a limited ability to update content. Really easy to use. You just install it then put two tags, front and back of what you want editable, and you're done.

Clients tend to think that they can do everything in Word. It never occurs to them that they might need different software and, gasp, horror of horrors, actually have to learn how to use it.

VistaPrint will be able to handle most file formats. They probably recommend a pdf as the contents arrive complete whereas people use low res jpegs and then complain about the print quality. I tend to png files when I'm working with them.



RickP -> RE: Graphics in PDF format? (2/14/2007 7:25:10)

good to know you recommend SnippetMaster - I'll be giving it a go - thanks [;)]



jaybee -> RE: Graphics in PDF format? (2/14/2007 7:37:49)

Yes I use it on several client sites. They find it easy and can't muck too much up. Well, until they decide to use enormous fonts in clashing colours that is. [:D]



RickP -> RE: Graphics in PDF format? (2/14/2007 7:56:15)

Can it be set-up to only allow text changes WITHOUT formatting changes?



PhilipHerlihy -> RE: Graphics in PDF format? (2/22/2007 5:59:17)

Is this for the web? If you want text to be editable independently of graphic content you're looking at a Content Management tool (like Dreamweaver/Contribute) or some server-side database-driven arrangement (eg ASP.net). If the client wants to edit the source materials, are they going to upload it themselves or ask you to do it? (sounds like you need to take this client in hand).

If you do want to be able to edit PDF documents, Acrobat isn't always the best, and it's expensive. I use PagePlus from Serif.com, and their DrawPlus will also edit PDF documents - I had fun "rearranging" the stations and lines on the London underground map when I first got the latest DrawPlus! Of course they'd have to learn any tool like this, but if you structure the document appropriately (using layers, text boxes, etc) you should be able to import their additions into your full version.

Phil, London



RickP -> RE: Graphics in PDF format? (2/22/2007 6:13:42)

It is (was - job done now) a graphic for print, but thanks for this further input Phil.



jaybee -> RE: Graphics in PDF format? (2/22/2007 7:00:42)

quote:

If you want text to be editable independently of graphic content you're looking at a Content Management tool (like Dreamweaver/Contribute) or some server-side database-driven arrangement (eg ASP.net).
Or Snippetmaster.

I believe the latest version allows you to set up styles and make them use those so they can't completely trash the design. Layout is easy to stop them from changing, you just put the edit markers round the bits you want them to change.

However, if you've specified half a dozen font colours in your styles you can't stop them from using the wrong ones so I tend to make sure I only specify something that won't clash.



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