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. catalogs) 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.
Check list for PDF requirements
Create print files in original size (scale of 1:1)
- Colour mode: CMYK
- Colour profile: adjusted to product and paper/print substrate
- Bleed: 2 mm (if not specified otherwise)
- Safety margin: 4 mm (unless specified otherwise)
- Resolution: min. 300 dpi (unless specified otherwise)
- Embed fonts: completely or as subgroup (alternative: convert to paths)
- Transparency fading: CMYK
- Size and orientation of pages: identical
- Limitations and security settings of the PDF must be deactivated (no password)
- PDF standard: PDF/X-4:2010
- Create print files in original size (scale of 1:1)
- Color mode: CMYK
- Color profile: adjusted to product and paper/print substrate
- Bleed: 0.1 inch (if not specified otherwise)
- Safety margin: 0.2 inch (unless specified otherwise)
- Resolution: min. 300 dpi (unless specified otherwise)
- Embed fonts: completely or as subgroup (alternative: convert to paths)
- Transparency fading: CMYK
- Size and orientation of pages: identical
- Limitations and security settings of the PDF must be deactivated (no password)
- PDF standard: PDF/X-4:2008
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 optimized for screen representation (low resolution) and are suited to create printable PDFs only to a limited extent. The missing color management (RGB mode only) can lead to e.g. color 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.