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spinningjennie
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Why use .pdf files? - 6/1/2002 2:24:25
Q. Why do websites have .pdf files that you can print? Why not just include the material on the web page itself? What advantages do pdf files have? (They often seem very slow.)
Aside:
I was recently told that a stationery printer preferred to receive artwork in .pdf format. I suppose there's a good reason.
Thanks for any assistance!
Spinningjennie
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caywind
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RE: Why use .pdf files? - 6/1/2002 3:49:22
I believe that .PDF stands for Portable Document Format. This format has become what is known as "the standard" for documents destined for different systems or printers. As such it is a type of file that is able to be read by a large number of computers. For example, I wrote a book that can be downloaded and from there can be printed. If I write it in MS Word, I would need to post a different file for every type of computer, PC, Mac, Linux, Sun, the list goes on... With .PDF I only have to post one file that can be read and printed by all. Also, anybody who has Word can edit and redistribute the book under thier name, at least until I catch them. With PDF the only people who can actually change the file are people with the full version of Acrobat. There's not that many, most people just have the reader. And finally, since .PDF was designed by Adobe, it's just about guaranteed to look good in print.
(web people, please don't slam me too hard, I know there's more to it, but I just wanted to keep it simple)
Fight the Spam! http://awebmasters.net/antispam.htm
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spinningjennie
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RE: Why use .pdf files? - 6/2/2002 2:33:38
Thanks caywind & mike54 for the useful help!
Very thorough explanation, that makes a lot of sense.
Spinningjennie
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Charles W Davis
Posts: 1725
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From: Henderson Nevada USA
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RE: Why use .pdf files? - 6/2/2002 8:38:16
spinningjennie,
The consistency of format and universality of acceptance is the reason stationery printers prefer artwork in .pdf format.
However, if you have color there are many other things that the printer will require. Adobe Acrobat will create the color separations in .pdf format that contain exact registration marks for the printer. Printing presses only print one color at at time and they must be perfectly aligned. This is why Adobe Acrobat will be your best friend in this process. There may be other programs that will do this, but since Acrobat does what I want, I haven't looked elsewhere.
You will have to work with the printing firm to determine the colors that you will use.
For two color processes, there are two standards of colors used by printers. You will have to design to their color numbers. Adobe Pagemaker accepts these numbering systems to render your color exactly.
For full color renditions, even more effort will be required on your part. But if the jobs requirement is full color, its gratifying.
Other factors enter into the process. For instance if you are going to have the logo of Southwest Airlines on your printed document. It is a registered trademark and you must get their permission. One of the conditions that they place on you is that you specify and your printer uses the color numbers.
You will find that more printers understand what you are working with than they did just a few short years ago. But you must work closely with them.
Slow .pdf files may be due to two conditions; 1) Its a long document, and 2; the file was created using Adobe Acrobat's PDF Writer function instead of the Distiller function.
Enjoy! It's your endeavor!
Chuck, the male ladybug. http://www.anthemwebs.com
http://www.moderncabinetmaking.com
Edited by - Charles W Davis on 06/02/2002 08:44:14
Edited by - Charles W Davis on 06/02/2002 08:46:53
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spinningjennie
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RE: Why use .pdf files? - 6/4/2002 7:02:06
Thankyou Charles W. Davis! A very comprehensive reply, and very useful to me for both the web and stationery design tasks.
Spinningjennie
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