How do you guys get PDF proofs to clients??

[duncansarmy]

Hey folks, currently we email PDFs to clients to approve but this is clogging up our servers and some PDFs we have to compress the sh*t out of or create low rez version to make 'emailable' thus reducing data integrity.

Ideally what i want to do is create PDF-X1a's for all our jobs and let the client check those by maybe uploading them onto an FTP site for them to download.

We currently have no FTP so will have to get that sorted. Can anyone recommend any software for dealing with upload/download/auditing etc of files on an FTP?


Basically just curious as to how other pre-press houses do it.

Any info would be hugely appreciated,
Regards,
Pete

 

[T]

Email, asset management, or softproof (like Kodak InSite)

 

[duncansarmy]

asset management....is this software? Can't afford any portal type products. We have Screen workflow and their portal/softproofing is crap imo, looking at switching eventually but not in the near future so need a cheap alternative, don't want to email any PDFs out ideally.

 

[T]

Yes,
This is the particular one we use:
XINET
But there are many...

Try FTP?

 

[Whitaker]

We use Rumpus for FTP. It's cheap and easy to use with lots of great features, and it's on a Mac!

Rumpus: About Rumpus

 

[duncansarmy]

thanks guys!

Whitaker, this looks exactly what i had in mind...almost too good to be true. Can i ask, how easy is it to set up? Also do you mind me asking do you use it in the way i was proposing ie allowing users to view their PDF proofs via it as well as allowing them to upload artwork? If not what is it's main purpose in your place and do you think it will suit my needs??!!

How good is the admin side of things? I noticed it can notify you when clients have uploaded stuff, is that via email?

Sorry for all the questions!!

Pete

 

[jonkovach]

I have to second Rumpus. It's quite easy to you, and you can upload/download artwork and other files, set usernames and restrictions, and you can be notified of when things are uploaded/downloaded.

It may not be exactly what you're looking for, but if you want software that is simple, and allows you to transfer files - it works great.

Jon

 

[Bill W]

Does Rumpus allow for client commenting and approvals? I did not see that address on their website, only uploading and downloading.

I recently was introduced to Zipproof:

ZipProof.com The Easy Way To Get Approvals Fast

While is it a "service" based on number of proofs, it seems very simple and allows for commenting. I was quite impressed by zipproof for certain customers. And in keeping with full disclosure we have InSite and I have no association with zipproof.

-Bill-

 

[jonkovach]

No, Rumpus does not allow commenting... it is simply a file transfer software.... Wasn't sure if it would work out for duncansarmy, but I use it and like it, and we do a lot of PDF proofing.
Jon

 

[duncansarmy]

Thanks jon, i'm currently between that and CrushFTP which also sounds very good.
How easy is it to install? I'm not great when it comes to IP addresses and port 80s etc!!!!
Regards,
Pete

 

[jonkovach]

It was simple to install, however, I had to work with my IT guy to get the port opened up to allow FTP traffic. I was able to have my website redirect a certain address to my FTP IP address, so people can type in a website I give them to get a web interface, instead of having to use Fetch, etc...

I believe Rumpus has a free trial that you can set up on your local network just to try out. I did that and liked it. It was recommended to me by someone at another company I used to do work with. They use it for overseas transmissions.

What I really wanted was that HTTP web interface. Don't have to explain to every single customer how to upload a file to us.

Jon

 

[pcmodem]

Rumpus does have the ability for commenting when uploading a file, you can even make it required to fill in the comment box.

NOTE: The commenting the users types will be added to the email notification only. If you want commenting in the PDF, you will need to enable that feature from the Pro version of Acrobat. Then any one who has a newer version of Acrobat Reader can make comments and save the PDF.