Reply To: PDF Exporting for Digital Print

Robert, unfortunately there is no standard; too many variables. Personally, I prefer EPS format over AI. Too many things can go wrong with AI files. Also, I recommend building images in Illustrator instead of stacking in InDesign. If it’s easier to build it in InDesign, I often export as PDF, then Place as one piece back into InDesign.

Spot colors and transparencies do not work together. In Illustrator, Object->Flatten Transparency. InDesign, use Separations Preview to ensure everything is Process build. Export PDF: x/1a:2001, uncheck Optimize for Web View, No Compression, Output -> Convert Color to US Web Coated (SWOP) v2

When the mystery can’t be solved, we Export as JPEG (300 dpi), or rasterize the PDF at 300 dpi in PhotoShop.