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2022 PDF Compatibility Settings in Export

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    • July 20, 2022 at 5:22 am #14367960
      Marc Dunker
      Member

      It’s 2022 now. What’s the general rule of thumb for PDF compatibility when exporting? Is there any reason to make the compatibility being any lower than 8/9 (1.7)? Acrobat 8 came out 15 years ago, so is there software designers may need to accommodate for?

      I’d assume most printers and viewers aren’t on Windows XP using Acrobat 5…

    • July 20, 2022 at 7:58 am #14367963
      Anne-Marie Concepcion
      Member

      If the PDF is for a commercial printer, I’d ask them for a joboptions file, or at least, the PDF export settings they prefer. If no information is forthcoming, I export to PDF/X-4:2008, which I think of as “the modern standard” … which uses Acrobat 7 (1.6).

      If it’s for general distribution, like client proofing or downloading from a web site, I just go with the most recent (1.7). It’s better for accessibility, and makes the smallest file sizes I believe.

      AM

      • July 21, 2022 at 7:30 am #14367994
        Steve Hall
        Member

        I’ve used PDF/X-1a.2001 for many years. I just a made test PDFs using 2001 and 2008, and the files were exactly the same size.

        Anne-Marie, what does 2008 offer that 2001 doesn’t? Should I make the switch to 2008?

      • July 21, 2022 at 8:32 am #14367998
        David Blatner
        Keymaster

        If you’re exporting PDF/X1-a then there is no difference at all… actually, there is: choosing any other compatibility setting makes it not officially PDF/X1-a compliant.

        The differences among these settings are really more for PDF/X4 or non-standard PDFs. When I’m not making PDF/X1-a, I almost always choose Acrobat 8/9 (v 1.7) compliance. No reason not to.

    • July 20, 2022 at 8:13 am #14367964
      Marc Dunker
      Member

      Thanks! I’ve never delved into setting PDF standards often unless specifically asked. I don’t deal with the printers at my current role too often, and the times I’ve asked they typically don’t specify.

      The main reason for my question was InDesign defaults still list Acrobat 5 as the standard compatibility for their presets. Acrobat 5 can drink legally now, so I think we can assume people have moved on but wanted to make sure.

    • July 20, 2022 at 8:25 am #14367967
      Anne-Marie Concepcion
      Member

      LOL

      I’m quoting you on that ….

      AM

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