Re: PDF as graphics import format [was Re: FrameMaker vs InDesign]

[Dov Isaacs <isaacs@xxxxxxxxx>]

Roger,

You are correct in your belief that EPS and pre-1.4 (not 1.3) PDF do not 
support transparency in the sense that it is not conserved in the file 
structure. What is marked as transparent (i.e., not 100% opacity) in 
Illustrator 9 (and above), Photoshop, and/or InDesign 2 is "flattened"
in PostScript, EPS, and pre PDF 1.4 output. Depending upon what overlaps
what with transparency, this flattening can cause text to be converted
to vector graphics or device resolution-dependent raster graphics (i.e,
images). And vector graphics can be converted to resolution-dependent
raster graphics. That is where the big problem lies. There are settings in
Illustrator and InDesign for what resolution flattening is designed for.
If you don't set them correctly, you can get blotchy text (staircasing and
seemingly emboldened). PDF generated from such content may have text that
is not retouchable and/or searchable. Yucck!

Transparency must be used carefully, even if you have a workflow that fully
supports it (i.e., Illustrator and Photoshop with InDesign 2 exporting to
PDF 1.4). FrameMaker users must be VERY CAREFUL in generation and import
of such artwork as EPS and/or PDF. (FrameMaker 7 is required to import
PDF 1.4 with transparency.)

        - Dov

At 8/20/2002 12:19 PM, Roger Jones wrote:
>At 08:52 AM 20/08/02 -0700, you wrote:
>>Roger,
>>
>>The fact is that FrameMaker actually converts the PDF into EPS
>>internally when you import PDF into a document. And unless you
>>modify your maker.ini file with the line
>>
>>        EPSLevelForPlacedPDF=3
>>
>>it "dumbs downs" your PDF 1.3 and 1.4 to PostScript language
>>level 2, by default.
>>
>>Since FrameMaker is really dealing with EPS anyway, I personally
>>prefer (to be very clear, this is indeed my personal preference
>>and not a denigration of the ability of FrameMaker to import
>>PDF correctly) with FrameMaker to save PDF as EPS (fonts embedded and
>>TIFF preview) from Acrobat and then import that very efficient
>>EPS into my FrameMaker documents. (With InDesign, on the other
>>hand, PDF is most often the preferred graphic import format,
>>especially when compared to EPS and if the original artwork
>>had transparency!)
>>
>>        - DOv
>
>Thanks, Dov. This transparency business: am I right in thinking that EPS and pre-1.3 PDF do not support it in the sense that it is not conserved in the file structure but also that this does not affect the way it displays or prints. If so, why does it matter, unless one is concerned to edit the file further, in which case why not keep it archived in native AI, INDD or PSD? Or have I not grasped the issue correctly? I am using transparency in Illustrator; I am saving as EPS; I am then importing EPS into FrameMaker and then producing PDF from the FM files. What I see in the resultant PDF is the correct transparency effect. I'm sure I'm missing something here.
>
>I have not posted this to the list, but do feel free to use it to post to Framers if you think it will help others.
>
>All the best
>
>Roger Jones at Terra Publishing
>http://www.terrapublishing.co.uk
>PO Box 315, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2ZD, England
>Tel.: +44 (0)1582 762413  Fax: +44 (0)870 055 8105


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