We get PDF's from all over, often they are made up obviously using greyscale images, along with spot color, but at some point file gets changed to color, so that when placed in Indesign, they won't separate to black w/spot color. Is there anything that can be done at this point, or must we always get back to advertiser to straighten it out. Most often we don't know what software used, or their skill level. (or ours...!)
Hello Iwelch; There isn't much any of us can do about a clients skill level, about the only thing I could say is call the client and tell him you use CorelDRAW to edit PDF files and his are not up to par. ( It does HELP if you not only know what they are using but what to tell them to do. You could also tell them to try a high res. PNG with out any editing.( Or tell them to send a CDR file.)
George
If you are having an issue in InDesign, why post here unless you are editing the PDFs, which you shouldn't have to as long as they are correct.
If I have an issue with an advertiser's PDF, the first thing I do is open it in Acrobat and make sure it is as per submission guidelines. The only other problem once in InDesign is if there is a profile to profile conversion occurring at import or output.
As well, in either Acrobat or Reader, you can look at the document properties. Unless the PDF is produced via postscript and distilling, what it was made in should be listed.
lwelch39 said: We get PDF's from all over, often they are made up obviously using greyscale images, along with spot color, but at some point file gets changed to color, so that when placed in Indesign, they won't separate to black w/spot color. Is there anything that can be done at this point, or must we always get back to advertiser to straighten it out. Most often we don't know what software used, or their skill level. (or ours...!)
How do you open the PDF file?
It's important to know the program that creates the PDF and the settings used for create this PDF. For example if you choose "output as CMYK" or "output as RGB" the spot colors will changes and grayscale images will output as CMYK or RGB.
HI David, we normally place the PDF's on pages using Indesign CS 3. Then we need to print, along with whatever else is on the spread. Of course, we cannot print black w/spot color unless the PDF is grayscale w/spot. We ask that all work be sent in b/w w/process blue color so they work with other ads in order to make printing plates. Thanks!!