To minimize potential issues like missing fonts and color space incompatibility we recommend sending us PDF/x-1a files whenever possible.

What Is PDF/X-1a?


PDF/X-1a is a subset of Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF). PDF/X1a stands for PDF eXchange 1a. The “1” means that it is a blind exchange document - all fonts and images are embedded and “a” is the variant of PDF/X1 that was ISO accredited ISO standard ISO15930-1 :2001

 

PDF/X1a meets the following specifications


  • All fonts and images are embedded.

  • All elements are encoded as CMYK, spot or Device N.

  • They may not be encoded as three-art color spaces such as RGB or CIELab.

  • The MediaBox and TrimBox or ArtBox are defined.

  • Trap must be indicated as on or off, alerting the printer to the condition of the document. The printing condition characterized (such as SWOP) through the use of an Output intents operator.

  • PDF/X1a resolves many issues associated with basic PDF as a format for file exchange.