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Create Optimized PDFs using Acrobat Distiller - PC

Not all Authors will have access to computer graphics applications that are capable of producing high-resolution TIFF or EPS files. Authors in this predicament who have access to the full version of Adobe Acrobat will be able to produce high-resolution PDF files using Acrobat Distiller.  

Acrobat Distiller converts PostScript files, created by any originating software application, into PDF files. These are the same PostScript files that tell your output device (printer) how to compose and print your document.   

Acrobat Distiller comes from Adobe with 3 or more (depending on the version) preset “Job Options”. These Job Options control the final PDF output and can be personalized by the user.

APS has created and made available a Job Option, (APS_PDF), that authors can use to produce high-resolution PDF files that should be suitable for both submission and publication. Download and install the Job Option file before continuing below.

To Create Optimized PDF files from Any Application (Windows Users) 

1. Open the figure in the originating application.
2. Choose “Print” from the “File” drop-down menu.
3. Choose “Adobe PDF” from the Printer drop-down menu (“Acrobat Distiller” in versions 3 – 6).

4. Click the “Properties” button.

5. In the “Adobe PDF Settings” tab choose “APS_PDF” from the “Default Settings” drop-down menu and click “OK”. This setting will enable the Distiller to create high-resolution PDF files.

6. Click “OK” and “Print”.
7. In the “Save PDF File As” dialog box, name the new file and choose its destination and click “Save”.

8. IMPORTANT! Check the results by inspecting the resulting PDF in Adobe Acrobat. Pay special attention to special characters and symbols. If important elements are missing you may have to resort to TIFF or EPS file formats.

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05/15/2008