Preps: PDF options for Indigo Output

[jinthebay]

Hey folks.

I'm trying to troubleshoot a series of problems using a combination of varying software/hardware components.

Preps 5.3.1 (mac)
Prinergy EVO 4.1.6.3 (mac & PC)
Adobe Indesign CS4 (mac)
HP Indigo 3500

PDF Files placed into Indesign, then exported to PDF 1.4; Imposed in Preps printed to PDF; Ripped to Indigo.

Final output is different in color and SIZE (freaky, I know) when we FIRST use EVO to run the original PDF through the "Refine to PDF" process, then follow the same steps as above.

(1) There doesn't seem to be a way to edit the options that Preps uses to create a PDF from an imposition.

(2) I can see how there could be a color change based on the difference in the profile outputs, but a change in size? It's almost as if EVO is vertically stretching the image.

(3) A question for Indigo users Only: Could a slight difference in actual substrate size cause an image to shrink or stretch? In other words, will the Indigo compensate for differences in actual substrate size?

(4) Also, EVO outputs some images at a lower res. Could it be a difference in the the way EVO flattens? (PDF 1.3)


I realize that this seems to be a somewhat convoluted way to run our files but that's why I'm here. Any suggestions as to how we can streamline this process and make it more foolproof. We don't necessarily need EVO if we're running jobs on the Indigo. But sometimes (many times) we use the Indigo to proof the files but ultimately run them through EVO for plating on our 4 color Komori.

Any thoughts?

[muminn]

Why do you need to place PDF-s to Indesign and export again as PDF-s?

You have alternative to change PDF version?!

[jinthebay]

muminn,

Prepress sometimes (often, really) needs to make adjustments to the PDF's they receive. It's easier to make some of these repositioning adjustments by laying the job out in reader spreads.

But yes, there should be some options in Indesign export as to the PDF version.

The bigger question is what options exist to change how Preps exports a PDF.

[muminn]

Dear jinthebay,

I'm really confused. PDF-s can be changed or modified by specialized programs. Preps it's only an imposing software!

Im not sure at which options at Indesign you are talking about. Im sure that these options dont have to be fair with a preprinted PDF file. So, depend how these PDF has been made, which profiles, etc.

Anyway, Im a prepress specialist and done a million files for printers company.
Please give me a detail problem, and I will find a new solution.

Also, I recommend using these software for Preflight PDF before you can proceed to impose.
Enfocus PitStop Proffesional, Quite A Box o Trick, Quite Imposing Plus, Quite Revealing.

Regards,

[jinthebay]

Hello Muminn,

Yes, but we use Preps not only to impose but also to output a final, print-ready PDF.