Software Solutions by Lucid Dream Software, Inc || PDFxMaker

www.trapping.org

www.ontimeproof.com

" Clearly a better solution."

PDFxMaker
PDFxMakerLite PDFxMakerPro Heidelberg Delta to PDF/X Workflow PDFxMaker FAQ

PDFxMaker - Unique Data Conversion

Generating PDF files OUT of your Delta Rip

There are many considerations when planning to generate PDF files from your Delta workstation. In this paper we will try to cover a number of these issues and provide links to various tools for this use.
PDFxMaker

When considering PDF creation it is important to determine the intended usage for these PDF files. Then for each usage you may want to consider various options for the creation.

We will consider three general usage criteria and explore ways of meeting these needs.
The three general criteria are:
  • High Quality Production
  • Ink Jet Printer Interface
  • Remote Online Proofing

These are general terms and most other specific needs will fall within one or more of these categories.

High Quality Production

This High res workflow is generally used when the desire is to produce a job through the Delta Rip workflow, and then to produce a PDF file of suitable quality that it can be used for final output on a comparable resolution output device. Examples of this type of workflow would include DDAP (Digital Distribution of Advertising for Production) where advertising material is produced at the Delta shop and the final distribution would consist of a PDF/X file and a hard copy proof in most cases.
Traditionally this was handled by generating a TIFF/IT file set as the digital distribution format. Recent changes in specifications now demand that PDF/X1a files be provided for this purpose.

Lucid has developed a product called PDFxMakerLight, which will produce full res PDF/X1a files from your Delta job.

Ink Jet Printer Interface

This is a general case of what would be called medium res PDF file production. In this situation the desire is to be able to drive Delta jobs out to a wide variety of devices or purposes where various resolutions are needed. Typical ink jet printers will run at resolutions of 360, 720 or 1440 DPI. Creating PDF/X files at exactly the resolution of the device will optimize production and provide the fastest possible interface. In this case a configurable conversion tool that allows any possible resolution setting is desirable.

Lucid has developed a product called PDFxMakerPro. This application allows complete control over resolution settings.

Remote Online Proofing

This is a Low Resolution workflow where size does matter the most. The intention is to produce files as small as possible for online viewing through web browser interface with even a slow Internet connection. With the main focus being file size and screen viewing this steps away from printing and is targeted for content proofing. Resolutions typically are less than 300 DPI.

Lucid has developed a conversion tool that is a built in part of OnTimeProof. It is optimized for creating PDF files that are as small as possible. In some cases these files are not even suitable for printing as the data is stored in a lossy fashion.

So in summary we have presented three different PDF conversion tools for the Delta and have highlighted how these tools might be used in different circumstances. It should be noted that all three tools can be used within the OnTimeProof workflow automation and the first two can also be used in a stand alone fashion for specific Delta conversion needs.

Please follow the links with each tool to gain more specific info.

				top