TechNote (Archived)

Creating PDF files from QuarkXPress 5.x in Acrobat (5.0-6.0 on Windows)

You can create Adobe PDF files in QuarkXPress by using Adobe Acrobat Distiller as a printer, or you can print a PostScript file from QuarkXPress and then process it in Acrobat Distiller. Both methods are included in the following procedure. Because each method requires the Acrobat Distiller PostScript Printer Description (PPD) file and the Adobe PostScript printer driver, instructions to install these files are also included.

Note: You can also create PDF files in QuarkXPress by using the QuarkXPress Export feature. For instructions, see the QuarkXPress documentation.

Disclaimer: Adobe doesn't support QuarkXPress but provides this information as a courtesy. Procedures specific to the QuarkXPress interface are guidelines only. For more detailed information about QuarkXPress, see the QuarkXPress documentation, or contact Quark.

1. Install the Acrobat Distiller PPD file.

The Acrobat Distiller PPD file provides QuarkXPress with information specific to Acrobat Distiller (for example, built-in fonts, custom paper sizes, and resolution capabilities). You can download this PPD file from Adobe's Web site at http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/main.html .

Note: By default, the Acrobat Distiller PPD file is installed in the Program Files/Adobe/Acrobat [version]/Distillr/Xtras folder. (The filename is Adpdf6.ppd for Acrobat 6.0 and Adist5.ppd for Acrobat 5.x.)

2. Install the Adobe PostScript printer driver.

Adobe recommends using the Adobe PostScript printer driver, AdobePS, for best results when creating PDF files with Acrobat Distiller.

To install AdobePS:

1. Download the Adobe Universal PostScript Windows Driver Installer from Adobe's Web site at www.adobe.com/support/downloads/pdrvwin.htm .

2. Double-click the installer file, and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. When the installer prompts you to select a PPD file, make sure to select the Acrobat Distiller PPD file you installed. (You can select any printer; the PPD file provides Acrobat Distiller the correct information.)

4. When the installer prompts you to select a local port, select FILE: Local Port from the Available ports list box. This step creates a Print to File option in QuarkXPress, allowing you to create PostScript files to process in Acrobat Distiller.

For more detailed instructions to install the driver, see document 328539 , "Downloading and Installing the Adobe Universal PostScript Windows driver."

3. Create a PDF file.

You can use either of the following methods to create PDF files in QuarkXPress. You can create PDF files more quickly by using the first method. The second method, however, provides more options for you to control the final PDF output. For example, you can set up Acrobat Distiller to create PDF files automatically and you can specify how Acrobat Distiller handles information from the PostScript file. For more information, see the Help system for Acrobat.

Method I: Print from QuarkXPress to Acrobat Distiller.

This method is faster and simpler than method II, but it doesn't allow you as much control over the output of the PDF file.

To print from QuarkXPress to Acrobat Distiller:

1. Open your document in QuarkXPress.

2. Choose File > Print.

3. Choose Acrobat Distiller from the Printer pop-up menu.

4. Choose the appropriate job options.

5. Click Save, name the PDF file, and then click Print.

Method II: Print a PostScript file from QuarkXPress, and process it in Acrobat Distiller.

This method gives you greater control over output options, such as how PostScript file information is handled. It also lets you configure Acrobat Distiller to create PDF files automatically. For details, see the Help system for Acrobat.

To print a PostScript file from QuarkXPress and process it in Acrobat Distiller:

1. Open your document in QuarkXPress.

2. Choose File > Print.

3. Choose the following settings:

a. Select Acrobat Distiller as the printer.

b. Click the Setup tab, choose Distiller from the Printer Description pop-up menu, and select the appropriate page size.

c. Click the Output tab, select Composite CMYK, Conventional, and set the appropriate resolution.

d. Click the Options tab, select None for Page flip, Normal for Picture output and Binary for Data.

e. If the OPI options are available, select Include Images.

4. Click Properties, click the Layout tab, and then set the page orientation.

5. Click the Paper/Quality tab, and select Color.

6. Click Advanced, click the Paper/Output tab, and make sure that the paper size matches the document.

7. Click the Graphic tab, and make sure that the print quality matches the printer resolution.

8. Set TrueType Fonts to Download As Softfonts, Language Level to 3, and Send PostScript Error handler to No.

9. Click OK in the Advanced dialog box, and click OK in the Properties dialog box.

10. Click Print, specify a name and location for the file, and then click OK. A PostScript file (.ps) appears in the location that you specified.

11. In Acrobat Distiller, choose File > Open.

12. Locate the PostScript file you created, and then click Open.

13. Name the file and include the .pdf extension, and then click Save.

Note:The standard version of Acrobat and Acrobat Distiller aren't licensed for use on a server. In a network environment, use Acrobat Distiller Server instead. For more information about Adobe Acrobat Distiller Server, see Adobe's Web site at www.adobe.com/products/acrdis/main.html .