Hello,
I would need to know what is considered to be the average file size of the pdf when sending it to the Press?
I am aware that this largely depends on the type of content that is included in the layout (images, vector graphics, etc.) as well as the very volume of the publication that is being designed.
Let me please explain why I ask this. When laying out a publication for press, for a long time now I am following a very strict routine that, so I learned, provides the best possible quality and accuracy for offset printing:
1) I print the Indesign file to a postscript (.ps) file, from Indesign application, using the ppd driver obtained from the printing office in which the publication will be printed.
2) I distill this .ps file through the Acrobat Distiller application, with the distiller job options settings from the same printing office.
This has worked, and still works, for me perfectly for almost a decade now, but as the printing technology develops, I am questioning is this routine still necessary to produce the accurate and problem-free files for the offest printing? The reason I ask this is because it is obvious that files produced via this routine end up significally larger than the files which are simply exported from the Indesign application, in example via the generic “Press Quality” Pdf setting.
So for instance, if we take a generic 80-pages A4 brochure in full color with high quality photos throughout, lets say in a cca. 1/4 or 1/3 ratio (third or quarter of the brochure filled with high quality images, the rest is text) what filesize of the produced .pdf for offset printing would you expect as acceptable? In my experience, and with these specifications, I could expect the file size ranging from about 200-300 MB.
I would love to hear your experience, thanks in advance.
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