Supplying PDFs for output

Preparing files for offset printing is a complex and exacting science and is very different from making and printing files from your computer to your laser or inkjet printer; it is also far more complex than the process involved in simply viewing a document on a computer monitor.

PDF files are fantastic for viewing on a monitor but are not necessarily suitable for offset printing. As such, we accept printable PDFs for output providing they are saved correctly. Simply because we can open them and view them on our monitors is no guarantee that we can successfully output them for print production.

In order for us to get to that stage it is imperative that you use specific settings (the ones listed here are intended for use with Adobe Acrobat Distiller 5.0) when making your PDF.

You can download a job options file and put it in the settings folder in your Distiller application folder (Mac only)

The next time you launch Distiller you will be able to select the "davidthomasprinting" job option.

To set up a compatible Job Options file manually, click here.

Please make sure your PDF has sufficient bleed.

Please make sure spot colours used are Pantone colours (ie. do not use RGB or CMYK or preset colours like Red, Green and Blue. When in doubt use cyan as a second colour in a two colour job and we will substitute the correct colour ink when printing.)

For information on how to produce a PDF file for print and press using a variety of applications please visit.
http://www.adobe.com/print/prodzone/pdfs/PDFforPrint.pdf

We have a number of applications and plug-ins in our workflow which allow us to handle many facets of PDF technology's shortcomings, but the best way to ensure your PDF file will be usable is to save it using the recommended settings.

If you have any questions, please email tjv@davidthomasprinting.com