TODAY'S TOPIC:  Easy PDF File Creation Instructions

Adobe Postscript PDF files are quickly becoming the file format of choice for designers and printers. With the advantages of cross-platform compatibility and embedded fonts, PDF files are a breeze to transfer. To simplify this process, we've included an overview of the necessary steps to create PDFs ready for upload to Sentinel Printing.

Before you begin - To produce PDFs that are optimized for our specific workflow, you’ll need a few Sentinel-specific setup files, including a Sentinel PPD (a Postscript printer driver) and Adobe Acrobat Distiller Job Option Settings. Ask your Sentinel Account Services Representative to send you these files.

Step 1: Install the Sentinel PPD
For Mac Users: How you install the PPD differs depending on the platform you are using. For instance: Mac OS 9 users simply copy the PPD into the printer descriptions folder (in the system folder) and create a printer using the PPD. Mac OS X 10 installation is slightly more complex, so OS X 10 users should contact us for instructions.

For PC Users: Before you can load the driver, you’ll need to download the appropriate printer driver to your system. Download this driver to your system from the adobe website: www.adobe.com/products/printer drivers/windows.html. After you’ve done this, double-click the Adobe PS or Postscript Setup or Setup.exe file to begin the installation of the Sentinel PPD.

Step 2: Make the .pdf File
Acrobat Distiller Users: Make sure your Distiller Job Options Screen matches Sentinel’s required settings (see inset). Make a .ps file by choosing the Sentinel PPD as your printer and simply “Print to File”. Then, drag the .ps file to the top of the Adobe Distiller window to begin distilling your file.

The Adobe Distiller Job Options screen, shown here, allows you to select paper sizes and quality and determine how Acrobat handles images, fonts and other file elements. This is where you apply all the settings given by Sentinel.

If you don’t have Acrobat Distiller: Most programs allow for job option settings such as Distiller when making PDF files. Be sure to match these settings as close as possible to the Sentinel Distiller settings to minimize issues with the files (see inset). Then, when making PDF files directly from native programs (for programs capable of this), simply choose the Sentinel PPD as the printer and follow the instructions to create PDF files.

Note: PDF Writer is not geared to high resolution output used in offset printing. Please don’t submit PDF files saved in this format. We prefer a .ps file we can convert to a PDF file for you.

If you need additional help, feel free to give us a call. We’ll be happy to walk you through the PDF creation process.

The Sentinel Advantage
Sentinel Printing has been providing high-quality prepress, printing and binding solutions to our customers for more than 150 years. Helping our customers with easy file transfer is just one way we’re able to make their lives easier.