[Edited — I had the order of events incorrect]
Gulp!
Our client uses software that compares versions of PDF at a level more detailed than that of Acrobat compare. Recent multiple variations are compared to a master PDF, and most of the content (such as tables and disclaimers) does not intentionally change, either in content of position. But due to undetermined causes, we struggle to get fresh PDF output that matches the master in those unchanged areas. PDFs are print-quality, fonts embedded, used on hundreds/thousands of files in a well-managed environment, semi-automated workflow for consistent file handling.
To remedy this, we placed the master PDF into the multiple variations to use the unmodified portions as image. Yet when we generate the fresh PDF we get the same text shifts (odd kerning, and even vertical shifts within paragraphs) that were present in our earlier PDF variations. (Stated differently, the master PDF doesn’t match itself when placed into and output from InDesign.)
So we think this is an issue related to how InDesign generates PDFs, including PDF content placed as images.
Suggestions?
* Is there a way to modify how InDesign renders PDF content into a new PDF?
* Can we prioritize embedded fonts rather than local fonts when creating?
MacOs, CC2015