PDF creation
Today, a variety of different programs is available to create PDF files, however, not all of them are suited to create print files considered correct in terms of printing.
You generally can submit both single-page and multiple-page PDF files. We prefer the print files of multiple-page print products (e.g. catalogues and brochures) as multiple-page PDF files. Implicitly observe our data requirements and the information under “Data info" on the product pages in our online shop when creating your PDF
PDF standard
If possible, select the PDF/X-4:2008 PDF standard when exporting your print files.
Which programs can I use to create a printable PDF file?
Professional layout programs
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Illustrator
- QuarkXPress
- CorelDRAW
Of course, we also have manuals for different programs.
Office programs
Office programs have been optimised for screen representation (low resolution) and are suited to create printable PDFs only to a limited extent. The missing colour management (RGB mode only) can lead to e.g. colour deviations in the final print.
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Publisher
- OpenOffice
- LibreOffice, etc.
Of course, we also have manuals for different programs.
Image editing programs, paint programs and drawing programs
Image editing programs as well as paint programs and drawing programs are only suited to create print files to a limited extent. The print files must be exported as TIFF or JPEG. Due to the raster-based format, this can lead to quality losses. Moreover, not all image editing programs can process and store data in CMYK.
- Adobe Photoshop (PDF possible)
- Adobe Photoshop Elements
- GIMP
- Paint, etc.
Add-on programs (PDF printer)
Free add-on programs to create PDF files normally do not create technically sophisticated PDF files.