Optimizing export to PDF

[titobras]

I'm working in a book just with text and JPG images. What is the optimized way to export it to PDF in order to get hi quality images ???

 

[jmgalvin]

If you use the Press pdf export preset, you'll be fine.

However, nothing can improve the quality of imagis in the indd documant. If they're not at least 300 dpi, (in cmyk color mode for professional printing) they're not going to get any better.

Using OSX 10.3.9 on a G4

 

[doodler22]

Should they be exported as pdf x1a?

 

[Eggles]

Depends on whether you have used any transparency effects (drop shadows, feathering, gradients etc) and who is going to print the PDF. If it is going to a printer you know has the latest equipment (esp the RIP) then any transparency effects will print correctly. However, if you don't know who will be printing it, nor the state of their equipment, then PDF/X-1a is the safest, as it flattens any transparency prior to RIPping. Any problems can be seen when viewing the resultant PDF before it goes to the printer.

 

[jimoblak]

All good advice so far but in answer to the question of the optimized (or absolute best) way...

Contact your print service provider for a PDF profile. They can either tell you what InDesign preset to use or they can send you a profile/joboptions file.

Print service providers should be relied on for supplying a profile best suited for their processes. If your printer has no clue, then you have no clue and you are best to send a standard format like PDF/X-1a.