The Gold Standard: PDF/X-1a
Not all PDFs are created equal. A PDF saved for "Web" is tiny and compressed. A PDF saved for "Print" can still contain layers, transparency, and RGB colors that confuse our RIP software.
We require files to be submitted as PDF/X-1a:2001. This is an ISO standard developed specifically for the print industry. It guarantees three things:
- Fonts are Embedded: It packages the font shapes into the file, so we don't get "missing font" errors.
- Colors are CMYK: It forces a conversion to CMYK (or grayscale) so there are no surprise color shifts later.
- Transparency is Flattened: It resolves complex transparent effects (like drop shadows or glows) into simple pixel data, preventing "white box" glitches during printing.
Exporting from Adobe InDesign
InDesign is the best tool for book layout. To export correctly:
1. File > Export...
2. Format: Choose "Adobe PDF (Print)".
3. Preset: Select "[PDF/X-1a:2001]" from the dropdown menu.
4. Marks and Bleeds (Crucial):
- Check "Use Document Bleed Settings". Ensure your document setup has 0.125" bleed on all sides.
- Uncheck "Crop Marks", "Registration Marks", "Color Bars". We add our own technical marks during imposition. Yours will just get in the way.
Exporting from Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop is great for covers and art, but tricky for text. If you must use it for full pages:
1. File > Save As Copy...
2. Format: Photoshop PDF.
3. Adobe PDF Preset: [PDF/X-1a:2001].
4. Compression: Ensure "Do Not Downsample" is selected. Compression should be "ZIP" or "JPEG Maximum".
Exporting from Clip Studio Paint
CSP is the standard for Manga. It handles multi-page exports well.
1. File > Export Multiple Pages > .pdf (PDF format).
2. Settings: Ensure "Crop Marks" is unchecked. Set the output size to your trim size + bleed. (e.g., if trim is 6x9, export at 6.25x9.25).