Graphic format in PDF

[kurt.santo]

I encountered some problems creating PDFs with our logo. The only file format that is acceptable on screen is PNG, printed EPS would have been better. Still, even this one is not the greatest. Which format would you use in PDF? It would be great to have good result on screen, but also when printed...

Kurt

[Dubbya]

They usually just end up compressed .jpg images anyway. Since that's the case, just import a .tif file. They're a distant cousin of the .jpg file and renowned for great image quality with virtually undetectable (LYZ) compression. To ensure that the file will look it's best, be sure to adjust the image compression settings before you save the .pdf file.

I use .tif files all the time and they work out great at 150-300 dpi. (Minimum 150 dpi for printing reasonably well.)

Alternatively, if you're using a layout program such as CorelDraw or Adobe Illustrator, you can create vector graphics, save the file out as a .pdf and it'll render perfectly be it onscreen or in print.

[kurt.santo]

Dubbya,
Thank you for your reply. The problem is that I print with the Acrobat distiller from Word and create in this way my PDF. There aren't really any setting as far as I know. Also, tried to use TIF, but looked horrible... Do you know how I would change setting from inside Word or in the print dialogue?

Kurt

[Dubbya]

Believe me, I know where you're coming from. Word is notorious for crappy onscreen rendering of .eps and .tif files. Don't be too disappointed as usually the final output, whether printed to .pdf or hard copy, looks much better.

Additionally, you'd get somewhat better results by using MS Publisher. I say "somewhat" as Publisher isn't the best solution either.

[BossWebmaster]

If you want to use a real layout program, get InDesign, it will handle all of those formats with no problem and it has PDF presets for screen or print PDFs. You can also make password protected PDFs. When I send people proofs of my graphics, I send them PDFs with the print option disabled so they can't use them without paying me.

[jackit_chick]

Hmmm I do not prefer using Indesign by itself because I like tweaking my images (adjusting the levels and the dpi) before importing them into indesign. For this I use Photoshop. You can save from photoshop to a pdf as well. So of course to get the best you have to buy the expensive software, like adobe creative suite. But if you cannot afford to spend $1200 or whatever it's going for now, I would just buy photoshop.

[BossWebmaster]

microsoft word isn't free either

photoshop by itself is 999, entire creative suite is 1799, CS upgrade price is 599.

by the way, if yo buy CS1 on ebay you're elligable to buy the upgrade.

on the same note, if you buy photoshop 1 on ebay(or wherever) you can get the CS3 upgrade. Just make sure whoever is selling it to you transfers the license.

just a little tip

I love telling people how to beat the system...

[richard-s]

Some low-cost alternatives:

The Open Office Suite (free) can read and write Microsoft formats. It provides built-in PDF export facilities. It also includes a drawing tool as well as an equivalent to Powerpoint.

Sun Star Office is a low cost "enterprise version" of Open Office.

All Serif programs provide PDF export facilities, most can also import (most) PDF files for editing.

Serif Pageplus = Publishing; Drawplus = Vector drawing; Photoplus = Image editing; Webplus = Web editing. etc. etc.

Richard

[Conficio]

Look here for help to export/save a file to PDF on OpenOffice Writer

The draw features can be used in Impress, or Writer or the separate Draw.

Good luck

K<o>

[jonisolis]

Logos and text can look funny in the PDF file and in Microsoft Word, but don't judge the way they look on screen if you are after print quality. Print out the PDF file then check it over. Most of the time it prints out great. It just doesn't look great on the computer screen.