Edwards Brothers, Inc.: File Preparation

PDF/x-1a Standard

What is the PDF/X-1a Standard and Why Does Edwards Brothers Recommend It?

PDF/X is a subset of the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) specification designed for the blind exchange of final print-ready documents. PDF/X-1a restricts the content in a PDF document to that which is needed for high-quality print production output and creates PDF file integrity by embedding fonts and images in the file. This eliminates the most common mistakes made in file preparation, including fonts not being embedded, incorrect color spaces, missing images, and overprint/trap issues.

The PDF/X-1a standard establishes the following criteria:

All fonts and images must be embedded
Elements must be encoded as CMYK or Spot
Elements may NOT be encoded as three-art color spaces, like RGB or CIELab
The file must be identified as trapped or not trapped and the printer should be notified of the trap setting status
MediaBox and TrimBox or ArtBox must be defined. BleedBox is optional.
The output intent must be specified for either Digital or Offset printing requirements.

By adhering to these standards, you ensure that your print-ready files will reproduce as you intended. You'll also save time and money because you won't have to correct files that were not properly prepared for printing.

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