Comparing pdf Files for Changes

How often are you checking a corrected pdf?

If the answer is often then you should try this tool in Acrobat.

The compare files tool really works and it’s very easy to use.

Open the new or corrected pdf go to compare files in the tool pallet and it will ask you to open a previous pdf.

From there you can change settings that will look for change to text, images, headers/footers, annotations, formatting and backgrounds. All of these or as many needed.

Compare files will show and report changes that occurred.

Using this tool saves time and accurately finds changes.

Try the link below to view a You Tube demonstration.

Visit our web blog where we have monthly Bright Ideas that include tips to make your day a little easier.

If you have any questions or need help, we’re here to find a customized solution for you. Call or e-mail us any time 847-550-4310.

Reducing the file size of a pdf

Have you ever had a pdf that was too large to send by e-mail?

Sometimes we need to send a pdf for approval or just for viewing the content. Today I will show you how to reduce the file size.

A pdf with a reduced file size should never be used for print. Much of the information embedded in the pdf has been removed.

The first step is to open the pdf in Acrobat. In the tool search type reduce file size. Next double click on reduce file size.

From here you can choose the folder to place the pdf in. The pdf should always be renamed so that it doesn’t overwrite the original.

After reducing the pdf look to the lower right corner. There you will see the reduced new size. In this case the pdf went from 10.10 MB to 268 KB.

Watch the short video below to see how it is done.

This is a very simple and fast way to send files for quick viewing.

Join us each month when we share tips like this to make your day little easier.

Call Schneider Graphics with any questions. We’re here to help. 847-550-4310

Previewing Color Separations

How to Preview Color Separations using the Acrobat Output Preview tool?

Did you ever need to confirm a color in a pdf?  Checking colors is a very important step ensuring the printing will be correct. A pdf sent to a printer should be CMYK. But what happens if the color should be a PMS color?

This month we’re going to show you how to preview colors in Acrobat.

To do this open your pdf in Acrobat. After opening the pdf we need to confirm that the colors are what they need to be.  Next we open output preview by either opening the tools pallet and scrolling down to print production and clicking on the output preview. Another way is to do a search in the search tools. Typing output preview will also bring it up.

From here we can view colors by turning colors on and off individually.

In the pictures below turning off the PMS color reveals that only some of the art is PMS 267. This will need to be converted to the PMS in order to print correctly in one color.

In the updated picture all of the art has been corrected to one PMS color.

Look for more tips every month at the Schneider Graphics website blog, schneider-graphics.com or if you need help give us a call at 847-550-4310.

Paper Finishes

How do you choose which paper to use for your next print project?

With so many weights and finishes available how can you be sure which is best for your design.

Determining which paper to use can be defined by the purpose of the project.

Coated papers have a clay coating added to them sealing the surface. After the coating is applied to the surface, rollers polish the paper giving it a smooth finish. This will restrict the amount of ink absorbed for a crisp defined dot.

Gloss papers are best when used with photographs. The smoother surface allows for sharper and brighter images.

Other finishes are Dull sometimes referred to as Silk, Velvet or Satin. These all have a coating without a gleaming like shine of gloss. These are also ideal with photos but without the surface shine.

Matte paper has a dull coating applied that has a non-shiny smooth finish that is excellent for color contrast and text. Matte paper has a unique combination of smooth texture and for easy readability.

Uncoated paper has a natural look. It doesn’t have an extra coating or paper finishing. Without a coating there isn’t a glare on the surface. This is ideal for writing, text or reading material.

Lately we’ve been seeing a big trend with dulls. People seem to like the way the inks still look vibrant but it’s not overly glossy which makes it easy for reading.

Schneider Graphics uses premium papers to make you look good. We don’t want to just be your printer. We want to be your go to resource!

Got questions or need help. Call us at 847-550-4310 or e-mail sales@schneider-graphics.com

Combining Spot Colors with Transparency

Have you ever experienced problems when sending your files to your printer that included spot colors with transparency? Well, you’re not alone!

Using a spot or PMS color on a layout can often lead to unexpected results.

If your using InDesign or Illustrator and using only CMYK colors, you can use transparency without any problem.

The problems start when transparency overlaps spot or PMS colors.

Your file will look fine on screen, and often even when printed from a desktop printer,
but high-quality print will be compromised.

The file on the left shows supplied art using spot PMS transparency. The file on the right has been flattened and will not print properly.

Why is this happening? Before being flattened, transparency is considered live and exists as an optical effect onscreen.

Before the layered file can be printed it must be flattened. The transparent region is broken into non-transparent sections that are translated by the RIP (raster image processor) into a printable image.

The good news is, these problems can easily be resolved and prevented by simply converting the spot color to process in the native file and then re-exporting to pdf.

For more printing tips we’re here to help. Call Schneider Graphics 847-550-4310 or sales@schneidergraphics.

Customer Service

What are you doing to stand out from the rest?

Is your customer service where it should be?

At Schneider Graphics we take a different approach.

We realize every company is different. We’re not a one size fits all company. We take each project with a unique path. Offering different solutions for different businesses. Providing personalized service and listening to your needs first.

We offer full-service printing and fulfillment experience with the most innovative tools and resources.

From Digital to Offset or Paper to Vinyl, we can recommend the best way to print and which substrate to use for your project.

Solving problems before they become a problem. That’s our difference!

Relationships take time to build and each one is distinct and matters to us.

Schneider Graphics has a rich tradition of providing superior services to the companies of which we do business.

Please let us know how we are doing. Call or drop an e-mail anytime we would like to hear from you. 847-550-4310 or sales@schneider-graphics.com