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Adobe's PDF format is the standard file format used by print shops around the world. Sending a PDF to the print shop eliminates 3 of the major causes of problems:
- All print shops are equipped to receive and print PDF
- Layout is fixed
- Fonts are normally embedded
It is important to be aware that simply creating a PDF does not solve all the potential problems:
Colorspace
Most methods for generating PDF files will not change the colorspace of the elements within the file. It is up to you to select the correct color space for each element before the PDF is generated. The main exception to this is the PDF X1 format, which allows only CMYK color space. If your software application allows you to create a PDF-X1 file and your are not printing with any special colors, then PDF X1 is an excellent format to use.
Low-resolution images
Most methods for creating PDF files will not check for or prevent you from using a low-resolution image in your file. When the PDF is created, it will contain the same low-resolution image inside as in the original file.
Incorrect print parameters like bleed
Print parameters like bleed are set either in the page layout application itself, within its print dialog or within its PDF generation dialog. It is up to you to make sure that these paramters are correctly set to match the preferences of your print shop.
Missing fonts
In most PDF files, the fonts used are automatically embedded inside the PDF. However, there are certain fonts that do not allow themselves to be embedded inside a PDF. Also, it is possible to produce a PDF with no fonts embedded.
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