PDF Edits

[Keri Callan]

I am looking for information on how people are handling revisions to files supplied as pdfs.

For instance, we receive a 36 page pdf, do the proofing and the project comes back from the client with many revisions marked up on the proof.

We are finding small type changes are usually not a problem but with revisions such as - inserting paragraphs, and major sentence revisions, sometimes we have to open in illustrator to make revisions.
This has caused unexpected problems with a few projects and was wondering if it is fair to just ask that the client's send in revised pdfs to eliminate the danger.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have!

Keri

 

[tmiller_iluvprinting]

We sometimes ask for revised pdf's, sometimes we fix in Illustrator, sometimes we edit in Pitstop. Depends on the wreckage we are dealing with!
Best regards,
Todd

 

[Vashnyra]

I've found that it's not only fair to ask the client to fix the more major revisions, but necessary for your own sanity and self-preservation. Minor fixes are one thing, but if a client has a history of being chronically unreasonable with you, requiring you to fix major issues at your own expense, don't be afraid to push back. Ultimately, it comes down to a question of how much a client is costing you vs. how profitable they are. You can't maintain a decent profit margin if most of your clients are of the "problem child" persuasion.

 

[oxburger]

we usually ask for the source files on any of the larger projects (4 pages or more). There should be no reason they can't accommodate you and give you the files. Just let them know that if you're making corrections on your end and they're not updating the source files by making the same corrections on their end, they are just asking for trouble the next time they want to reprint it and send you (or another printer) pdf's made from the working file that never had the corrections made.

 

[Internal_R&D_Analyst]

esko's Neo is designed to edit PDF's we use it when we don't have a choice. You can download a free trial on their website.