Learn about predefined settings that balance file size and quality when creating PDFs using Acrobat Distiller.
Adobe PDF presets are predefined groups of settings that affect the PDF creation process. These presets are designed to balance file size with quality, depending on how the PDF will be used. They ensure that all PDFs created within an organization or for a specific project meet the same quality and compatibility standards. You can also create and share custom presets for your output requirements.
Adobe PDF presets cover the following aspects during PDF creation:
- Compatibility with different versions of Adobe Acrobat
- Compression and downsampling of images
- Font embedding and subsetting
- Color conversion
- Output intent, such as print production or screen viewing
Types of Adobe PDF presets
Acrobat Distiller provides several predefined presets, each optimized for specific use cases:
- High Quality Print: Creates PDFs for desktop printers and proofing. It keeps images clear, includes all fonts, and maintains colors. It is best for printing documents with detailed graphics.
- Oversized Pages: Creates PDFs for large drawings like blueprints. It works well for documents bigger than 200 x 200 inches and keeps details sharp for large-format printing.
- PDF/A-1b: 2005 (CMYK): Creates PDFs for long-term storage. It includes all fonts and sets colors to CMYK. It is best for storing documents for the future.
- PDF/A-1b:2005 (RGB): Creates PDFs for long-term storage. It includes all fonts and sets colors to RGB. It is best for storing documents for the future.
- PDF/X-1a (2001): Creates PDFs for professional printing. It includes all fonts and color palettes for high-quality printing. It is best for jobs that need exact colors.
- PDF/X-3:2002: Creates PDFs for professional printing that conform to the PDF/X-3:2002 ISO standard for graphic content exchange. It includes all fonts as per PDF/X requirements. It is best for print production workflows that need PDF/X compliance.
- Press Quality: Creates high-quality PDFs for digital printing. It keeps images sharp and sets colors for professional printing. It is best for commercial print jobs.
- Smallest File Size: Creates small PDFs for websites or email. It reduces image quality and might not include all fonts. It works best when you need files to load quickly online.
- Standard: Creates high-quality PDFs for viewing and printing business documents. It uses Acrobat 7 (PDF 1.6) compatibility, so the PDFs open in Acrobat and Adobe Reader 7.0 and later.
- Standard-Classic: Creates PDFs using the classic version of the Standard settings. It is best for everyday printing and sharing when you want to keep the earlier Standard behavior.
About PDF/X, PDF/E, and PDF/A standards
PDF/X, PDF/E, and PDF/A are specialized standards created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to ensure PDFs meet specific requirements. PDF/X is designed for reliable printing in the publishing industry, PDF/E is for sharing engineering documents, and PDF/A is for long-term archiving of electronic documents. The Distiller presets cover PDF/X and PDF/A. Distiller does not include a PDF/E preset. During PDF conversion, Distiller checks the file against the selected standard. If the PDF doesn't meet the standard, you're prompted to either cancel the conversion or create a non-compliant file. These standards help ensure your PDFs are suitable for their intended use, such as high-quality printing, collaborative engineering projects, or long-term digital preservation.
Work smarter with Acrobat on your desktop
Create, edit, and organize PDFs with powerful tools that help you stay productive anywhere.
