Why go PDF?

The University Printing and Mail Services has evolved from traditional processes to more of a digital workflow. We face a number of issues including predictability, reliability and consistency of workflow. Adobe Acrobat software, the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), are bringing new options and flexibility to all phases of print production.

The Adobe PDF file format is quickly emerging as the standard file format for file exchange and output. Think of an Adobe PDF file as a digital master.With a correctly created PDF, a document is completely self contained, including the fonts, images, graphics, and formatting of the original application file. Unlike the original application file, Adobe PDF files are compact and platform independent, and can be shared, viewed and printed by anyone. Adobe PDF files are being used today to speed the review and approval of creative proofs; to show an error-free file to see instantly on screen how a document's fonts, graphics, and layout will print; and to deliver final output. The benefits, include; faster and clearer communication, fewer delays, lower production costs, and reliability from start to finish.

We have posted PDF instructions from various applications to help show the ease of creating a PDF.

Planetpdf is a great resource for all PDF knowledge.

Here are some helpful tips to creating press quality PDF files.