Learn about predefined settings that balance file size and quality when creating PDFs using Acrobat Distiller.
Adobe PDF presets are predefined groups of settings that affect the PDF creation process. These presets are designed to balance file size with quality, depending on how the PDF will be used. They ensure that all PDFs created within an organization or for a specific project meet the same quality and compatibility standards. You can also create and share custom presets for your output requirements.
Adobe PDF presets cover the following aspects during PDF creation:
- Compatibility with different versions of Adobe Acrobat
- Compression and downsampling of images
- Font embedding and subsetting
- Color conversion
- Output intent, such as print production or screen viewing
Types of Adobe PDF presets
Acrobat Distiller provides several predefined presets, each optimized for specific use cases:
- High-Quality Print: Creates PDFs for desktop printers and proofing. It keeps images clear, includes all fonts, and maintains colors. It is best for printing documents with detailed graphics.
- Oversized Pages: Creates PDFs for large drawings like blueprints. It works well for documents bigger than 200 x 200 inches and keeps details sharp for large-format printing.
- PDF/A-1b: 2005 (CMYK and RGB): Creates PDFs for long-term storage. It includes all fonts and sets colors to CMYK or RGB. It is best for storing documents for the future.
- PDF/X-1a (2001 and 2003): Creates PDFs for professional printing. It includes all fonts and sets of colors for high-quality printing. It is best for jobs that need exact colors.
- Press Quality: Creates high-quality PDFs for digital printing. It keeps images sharp and sets colors for professional printing. It is best for commercial print jobs.
- Rich Content PDF: Creates PDFs with extra features like links and bookmarks. It includes all fonts and works well for viewing on screens. It is best for interactive documents and improved accessibility.
- Smallest File Size: Creates small PDFs for websites or email. It reduces image quality and might not include all fonts. It works best when you need files to load quickly online.
- Standard: Creates PDFs for office printers or sharing on a CD. It balances quality and file size for everyday use when you want decent quality without large files.
About PDF/X, PDF/E, and PDF/A standards
PDF/X, PDF/E, and PDF/A are specialized standards created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to ensure PDFs meet specific requirements. PDF/X is designed for reliable printing in the publishing industry, PDF/E is for sharing engineering documents, and PDF/A is for long-term archiving of electronic documents. Acrobat checks if it meets the chosen standard when you convert a file to PDF using one of these standards. If your PDF doesn't comply, you can either adjust the file or create a non-compliant version. These standards help ensure your PDFs are suitable for their intended use, such as high-quality printing, collaborative engineering projects, or long-term digital preservation.
