PDF creation

Today, a variety of different programs is available to create PDF files, however, not all of them are suited to create print files considered correct in terms of printing.

You generally can submit both single-page and multiple-page PDF files. We prefer the print files of multiple-page print products (e.g. catalogues and brochures) as multiple-page PDF files. Implicitly observe our data requirements and the information under “Data info" on the product pages in our online shop when creating your PDF

PDF standard

If possible, select the PDF/X-4:2010 PDF standard when exporting your print files.

Check list for PDF requirements
Create print files in original size (scale of 1:1)

Colour mode: CMYK
Colour profile: adjusted to product and paper/print substrate
Bleed: 2 mm (if not specified otherwise)
Safety margin: 4 mm (unless specified otherwise)
Resolution: min. 300 dpi (unless specified otherwise)
Embed fonts: completely or as subgroup (alternative: convert to paths)
Transparency fading: CMYK
Size and orientation of pages: identical
Limitations and security settings of the PDF must be deactivated (no password)
PDF standard: PDF/X-4:2010

Which programs can I use to create a printable PDF file?

Professional layout programs

Adobe InDesign
Adobe Illustrator
QuarkXPress
CorelDRAW

Of course, we also have manuals for different programs.

Office programs

Office programs have been optimised for screen representation (low resolution) and are suited to create printable PDFs only to a limited extent. The missing colour management (RGB mode only) can lead to e.g. colour deviations in the final print.

Microsoft Word
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Publisher
OpenOffice
LibreOffice, etc.

Of course, we also have manuals for different programs.

Image editing programs, paint programs and drawing programs

Image editing programs as well as paint programs and drawing programs are only suited to create print files to a limited extent. The print files must be exported as TIFF or JPEG. Due to the raster-based format, this can lead to quality losses. Moreover, not all image editing programs can process and store data in CMYK.

Adobe Photoshop (PDF possible)
Adobe Photoshop Elements
GIMP
Paint, etc.

Add-on programs (PDF printer)

Free add-on programs to create PDF files normally do not create technically sophisticated PDF files.