Photoshop/PDF question

Shad0r · 22-09-2005 12:32pm #1

Hey,

I'm trying to do up some stuff for print and everywhere wants artwork submitted in .pdf format. I dont use it much but I have an old version of photoshop (5.5, I think) but I cant seem to either export or save my artwork as a .pdf with that or with Fireworks.

Can anyone recommend software I could that would allow me to export (or even convert a high quality JPG) to PDF?

seabee · 22-09-2005 12:37pm

do a google search for some free software called PDF 995. It can create a pdf from any file format. Adobe illustrator also allows you to save yor work as pdf.

Karoma · 22-09-2005 1:49pm

PDFCreator - http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfcreator/ - You simply use it like you would a printer (Or upgrade PS)

Gordon · 22-09-2005 2:18pm

If you have Mac OS X you can print to pdf.

Shad0r · 22-09-2005 2:22pm

Lovely!

Cheers,
Neil

GoneShootin · 23-09-2005 8:36am

www.primopdf.com

Shrimp · 23-09-2005 2:00pm

what exactly is the benefit of having it in PDF format as opposed to JPEG?

CuLT · 23-09-2005 2:36pm

I wonder; though I can see the artifacts in everyones sigs since I got a new LCD.

tsk tsk.

tba · 23-09-2005 3:42pm

Shrimp wrote:

what exactly is the benefit of having it in PDF format as opposed to JPEG?

A PDF allows for vector images aswell as raster, this includes text formats. All said it will reduce file size.

Shrimp · 23-09-2005 9:35pm

ok, do you convert the source file (eg PNG) to a PDF do you just use a JPG?

tba · 23-09-2005 11:17pm

ah it all depends!

If I had a source file that was a .png I would have very little reson to change it to a .pdf.

If I wanted no transparency and the image was complex I would use a .jpg format, on the other hand if transparency was nessessary I would leave it as a .png.

If it had to be animated transparent, simple and small I would use .gif... well you get the idea, the list goes on.

Simply put a .pdf can store vetor and text much smaller than a raster image format such as .jpg, and it can also store urls within itself, hence the reason it is so popular with emagazines.

The best solution is to stick with .psd or .psp format and decide on a seperate save to the most suitable format. Remember though to keep text and vector shapes unless it is nessessary to raterise them.

As for the question of printing to .pdf I personally use cutepdf, after that I would recommend pdf995 although it has adverts embedded.

Shrimp · 24-09-2005 2:23pm

Thanks tba very helpful.

boidey · 25-09-2005 11:39pm

PDF is a subset of postscript, which is still the standard for high level printers. There are 2 type of pdf, those that are raster image only and those that can contain vector and raster images, If your print work will contain graphics and text or shapes the raster only option is not really suitable. (BTW this is what mac os x will do)
The other major benefit to PDF format is that it allows for for the colour spaces to be embedded in the file. For those that are serious about reproducing consistent accurate colour this is essential, I have never found anything that comes close to adobe distiller for producing PDF for print/press purposes

Photoshop/PDF question

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