Export a High-Res PDF From InDesign

By CRAIG KUNCE

When you are ready to print, I suggest that you double check your linked files and make sure they are high-resolution and properly linked. Also check your fonts and make sure they are properly loaded.

When you work with a printer, the best way to deliver your file is in PDF format. PDF is the industry standard file format printers use to preflight your files and make either film negatives or printing plates. While printers will accept native files (InDesign, PageMaker, or Illustrator files) they prefer PDF files--some only accept PDF files. The benefit of a PDF file is that is locks in/embeds your support files (Illustrator logo files, Excel spreadsheets, Photoshop photos, etc.) and it locks in/embeds your fonts. The printer does not have to have the fonts you used, or have a copy of your linked photo to preflight your file. I like PDF files because they lock in what my design will look like and there is less room for error when the printing company opens my file and preflights it. PDF files are the way to go.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open your file in InDesign and select File > Adobe PDF Presets > [Press Quality]….

    set up

  2. Name your PDF file and choose a folder to save to. Click Save.

    print box 1


  3. A new window will appear. This is the Export Adobe PDF options box. Match yourPDF job options to the boxes below:

    add crop marks

    compression

    export PDF

    export pdf

    export pdf

    export pdf

    export pdf

  4. Click Export.
  5. Your next step is to Preflight your PDF file and check for errors that may cause problems when your printer tries to create negatives or printing plates for your project.