BBS Archives: DTP and PDF

DTP and PDF

Written by Paul J. Nelson on Wed Jan 14 23:06:35 1998 GMT

I am curious as to how many desktop publishers are offering conversion to PDF especially those doing newsletter or forms development. Do you see this as service migration?

Re: DTP and PDF

Written by Jane on Fri Jul 3 00:51:22 1998 GMT

I currently use PDF files as email attachemnts for clients to view where possible as it saves the time and expense of going to multiple colour prints before final sign-off. This way the client gets expedient service, particularly when the client is far away or on Fridays when couriers are almost always overbooked! If the client doesn't have the Acrobat viewer, I attach that as well.

I still send the client a colour laser proof before going to film as most people like to see hard copy before they feel completely comfortable with signing-off. I send the full DTP file to bureaus for film or bromide, but perhaps this is just me being over cautious?

Jane

Re: DTP and PDF

Written by typo on Thu Jun 25 19:30:20 1998 GMT

The problem with PDF files from a printing house's perspective is that it takes "another" program that costs $500 to separate the PDF files for negs. PDF is great for web distribution and printing on B&W or color lasers, but for 4 color press work it still has not caught on due to the steep cost of the "conversion" software. I would like to hear from other print houses on this subject.

Re: DTP and PDF

Written by desktoppub (Guide) on Sat Jan 17 00:00:14 1998 GMT

I'm wondering how widespread PDF use really is (outside of Adobe of course!). One of the shortcomings I've heard cited before is that it does require 'yet another piece of software' in order to view (sure, the viewer is freely distributed but if you don't have it already you have to go find it or it has to be distributed with the PDF etc.). For a while I used Common Ground, a product similiar to Acrobat, that allowed you to embed the viewer right in the document. Liked that except for the file size (not huge but it does add up).

While I like the 'idea' of PDF I just don't know how many people would really take full advantage of it? What are your thoughts? Have you had clients ask about PDF? Do you like the format? I've used it some but not a lot.

sign me, undecided.

jacci

Re: Re: DTP and PDF

Written by Paul J. Nelson on Sun Jan 18 16:41:50 1998 GMT

Use of PDF is becoming more widespread (outside of Adobe of course)Major corporations are converting documents to this format. The IRS and many of the state gov's now have all therir tax forms and bulletins available in this format. ( A real service for finding the form you need. I have also seen companies provide required MSDS forms to the public through the internet in this format. Creative minds will find many new ways to use it. I have contact just a few corps with HR departments on there websites about providing their application forms and other required documents such as W-4 forms and have found some positive responses.

Recently I completed a project for a publishing firm to convert their publications to a format that could be distributed on CD-ROM and licensed to be downloaded to corporate intranets. (They publish political risk information) A previous hypertext format had been used but was getting outdated. Acrobat has many desirable features for this type of project. Cornell Cooperative Extension has also produced a CD-ROM with a collection of their publications.

With the latest improvements to the Acrobat software files are much smaller. It is also completely cross platform. With this in mind you can read a file on any platform created from any other software. It's a lot easier to have that one extra piece of software than to not be able to read a file because you don't have the software used to design it.

You are right that not that many have opted to take advantage of this technology but I personally feel things are going to chnage. Over 6 million downloads of the software has been recorded.

Use PDF: save time, save the environment

Written by CameronP on Wed Jun 10 00:01:28 1998 GMT

Another great use for PDF:
The format is perfect for takin your file to the output bureau, especially if you only require "montone" output.

We recently moved our tabloid newspaper from laser art and bromides to PDF (all the time using Ventura 4.2 of all things!).

All that the printer requires is the freeware Acrobat Reader instead of all the files that make up the Ventura chapter. The pages are now output direct to film and the difference is staggering. (Hint: avoid mixing postscript and truetype fonts on your pages--output can go a bit crazy.)

Adobe PDF has put the old bromide camera (and all the messy chemicals and their environmentally unsafe disposoal) out of action.

With the money we saved in upkeep of the bromide camera we bought three colour flatbed scanners, moved the bromide production skills to the desktop (Photoshop) and saved literally hours in crucial production time.

As well, going direct to film means the quality improved out of sight and saved time at the printery (no more paste-up of laser/bromide artwork).

What can I say. Adobe PDF revolutionaised the production of our newspaper. (go see it if you like: 'Green Left Weekly', <http://www.peg.apc.org/~greenleft/>)

Re: Use PDF: save time, save the environment

Written by kyle on Sat Jun 13 21:52:54 1998 GMT

I'm working now on my first file that will be output from a PDF file. Simple job but I'm still a little nervous since this is the first time. It seems like a good idea.

Re: Re: Re: DTP and PDF

Written by kevin on Wed Feb 25 03:36:00 1998 GMT

Paul -- does this mean that if a Quark Express Mac file saved as a PDF extension can be read on a PC that can read PDF Files in say Pagemaker 6.5 or a Adobe Reader program?

Look forward to yours or anyone's reply.

Re: Re: Re: Re: DTP and PDF

Written by desktoppub (Guide) on Wed Feb 25 15:10:09 1998 GMT

First, to get the official scoop on Adobe Acrobat, explore the Adobe site at:

http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/

Basically, it should work fine. Make sure your reader is new enough to read files created with whatever version of Acrobat the sender is using. (Backwards compatibility may be possible but you could lose some functionality.) You can download the latest reader from the link up above.

I would explore the Adobe Acrobat site and check out all the tips and resources if you have any lingering questions. Their page at: http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/solution1.ht ml indicates that the PDF should work in a situation like yours (cross-platform, etc.).

jacci

Re: Re: Re: DTP and PDF

Written by desktoppub (Guide) on Mon Jan 19 16:57:53 1998 GMT

I must have fuzz for brains some days. The IRS, of course! I've downloaded forms from there too and yes it is very convenient. I remember now loading some software for my husband onto his (business) notebook -- military stuff, legal forms and such -- all the forms were in PDF format on a customized CD-ROM. I think perhaps I wasn't thinking BIG enough.

Good points.

jacci

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