Diagnosing output PDF-for-Web problems?

Where I work, we accept PDFs from clients (most using InDesign) and do a conversion so their magazines are accessible via devices like the iPad. Since our software converts pages to images, all layout is preserved. Our online reader allows magazine visitors to zoom in, so page resolution has to be about 144 pixels. We have one unhappy client who insists that we've done something different with their most recent two magazines that has caused degradation in quality. I've zoomed in on an image in one of their older magazines and its most recent version in a newer edition, and confirmed that the recent version looks pixelated and has excessive contrast/saturation. However, 1) None of our other clients have this problem despite their magazines being run through the same software, and 2) the settings inside our software have not been changed in more than a year.
I figure I have two options. Either look at the PDFs they sent us and figure out what they're doing wrong (their graphic designer has limited experience) or find a spec sheet somewhere that lists the best InDesign PDF output settings to use for Web reading (including retina screens), and send those settings to their designer.
Problem is, I don't know how to analyze a PDF, and my search for the optimum InDesign output settings leads me down several different roads. Can't really test it myself because we rarely use InDesign at our end. Suggestions?

Why not run a preflight check in Acrobat Pro? You can set up a check for images of less than x ppi.

Similar Messages

Errors in Export to PDF for web use - some images are lost when PDF is enlarged & in browser

I have a multi-page PDF in InDesign CS6 that I want to export to view on the web. I need the file to stay under 2MB, and I need it to be crisp and nice enough to read the type on the page (as small as 9pt type).
The errors that are occurring are the following:
On some browsers, some images will entirely not show up. Some of the missing images have been pasted into the document, some placed. I cannot think of a correlation.
When the PDF is enlarged (Adobe Acrobat X 10.1.10) to more than ~200%, there is one placed image that will mostly disappear. What I mean by "mostly" is that little bits of it are still visible, like I masked it carelessly or something. Since this is only occurring with one image it seems that it would be a problem with the image itself, yes? I'm all ears if I'm making a mistake. It is a placed .ai file with no link errors. Should I not be placing directly from illustrator? It renders wonderfully from 100% all the way up to 188%, and then if you enlarge by margins of 1% little bits of it disappear, almost a chunk at a time.
The way I've been exporting is:
File > Export > Adobe PDF (Print)
Adobe PDF Preset: Smallest File Size
Standard: None
Compatinility: Acrobat 6 (PDF 1.5)
Options: Optimize for Fast Web View
Export Layers: Visible & Printable Layers
Compression
I always change the downsampling from [100/150] to [150/225]. I usually leave the JPG image quality low. I leave both bottom boxes checked (compress text and line art, crop image data to frames)
Output
Color Conversion: convert to destination
Destination: sRGB 1EC61966-2.1
Profile Inclusion Policy: Include Destination Profile
However, after reading a few other forum questions I started trying to export as Acrobat 4 so that it would flatten. When I do that, problem #2 still persists although I didn't test problem #1. I haven't tried using Distiller, and using the "prepare for web publishing" action within Acrobat itself makes the PDF too artifacted.
At the heart of my question is this: I am a young designer at an old company that is not necessarily keeping up with the times. I REALLY want to know what the best, most efficient way to export a pdf for web viewing is. Does this exist in InDesign, outside of InDesign? Does it exist at all? Tell me what I'm doing wrong so that I can get better!
Thank you in advance.

Show Large Images is a preference inside of Acrobat which might be disabled.
Acrobat - File > Preferences

PDF for Web & Mobile Devices?

Hey There,
My boss and I recently attended an Expo for CS 5.5 and were blown away by all the new animations features for Web. We however are not in the business of creating web books, we only wanted to create a dynamic PDF for our website and then also for mobile devices like iPads, etc. However, we've discovered the animation is all Flash based and therefore useless for mobile devices. Is there any way around that? What is your suggestion for exporting useful PDFs for Web and Mobile Devices?

There’s a big difference in what you want, Joel and what the OP asked for.
For plain old vanilla PDF, you should be fine, but the OP is worried about people needing to download something for EPUB when in reality that’s less of an issue than PDF.
There are no stock PDF readers on many tablets and the ones that are there have limited or no interactive capabilities and the better ones like GoodReader are not free.
BTW, I’m not suggesting EPUB as a replacement but without seeing the actual documents in question and knowing the audience and budget, I really can’t give you a better answer.
Bob

Saving PDF for Web?

Hello!
I recently designed a 6-page annual report, meant to be disseminated as a PDF via web and e-mail. I am having trouble getting the PDF small enough and streamlined enough for this purpose. The file is under 4MB, but even on my system it is difficult to scroll through it, and graphics take a moment to appear or flash repeatedly on the screen.
The design is simple but includes many gradients and transparencies, which I assume is the root of the problem. I have flattened transparency and converted text to outlines. There are no images other than one vector logo. When saving as a PDF, I choose "smallest file size," with all options unticked except "save for fast web review." Lowering downsampling under "compression" made no difference. Even external sites like smallpdf.com would not make the file smaller. I'm not even sure changing the file size will ultimately solve the issue of the graphic elements flashing and taking time to properly appear.
Is there anything else I can do to make this file more accessible to a broad audience?
Thanks!

Outlining is considered very bad practice for many reasons (and cannot be undone).
True, but not in all cases...
But that is for a different conversation.
You could try using indesign.
I have found this will create a much more compact PDF then illustrator.
and is much better at dealing with text

Best options to save PDF for web?

I'm trying to save a PDF with CS5, which if saved at high-quality for print comes out to about 144mb. It has 30 pages, high-quality pics at 300dpi. The problem comes in when I try to save for web, I save as Interactive, and if I lower it to 72dpi it becomes unreadable, so I try 150dpi and it comes out ok, but at 40mb.
Yet I constantly see other PDFs around the web, of catalogs which have over 140 pages and only 19mb, or 54pages, and only 7mb, and yet the quality looks really good.
How should I save, and what options can I use to make quality reasonable yet in low MBs?

You may want to try optimizing PDF see link:
http://indesignsecrets.com/document-overhead-in-indesigns-pdf-can-be-huuuuuuge.php

GIF/Save for Web problem (PSE 7)

I've tried searching for an answer to this problem but nothing seems to address quite what's happening.
I recently had to replace my laptop, and switched from Windows XP to Windows 7. I transferred PSE 7 from the old system to the new system, and have had no trouble with it- until now. I have a 52-layer Photoshop-format image that I would like to save as an animated .gif, with each layer as a different frame. File >> Save As has the option to save Layers as Frames, but if I check it, then click "Save", nothing happens. Nothing at all. On my old system, I'd get a new dialogue with options like quality, duration per frame, loop, etc, but that's not happening anymore, and nothing saves (if I go to find the new .gif file, it's just not there). If I DON'T choose "Layers as Frames", the .gif dialogue comes up just fine, and it has no trouble saving as a static .gif. But it seems that it's just refusing to save it in animated format.
I'm having the same issue with "Save For Web". Neither the file menu option or the keystroke command will bring up the dialogue to let me save it that way. It thinks for maybe a second, but then doesn't do anything else, and doesn't save the image.
I've already tried resetting the layout, just in case the dialogue box was shifted somewhere I just wasn't seeing, and I tried resetting the Save For Web preferences, but neither of those things worked. Any explanation as to why an animated "Layers as Frames" .gif is the only format that isn't saving properly?
I've also tried opening old animated .gifs that I created with XP, and they will not re-save as animated .gifs either. I get the "Do you want to save the changes made" dialogue, but clicking "Yes" doesn't do anything and doesn't save the updates. I'm at a complete loss for why this function no longer works.

Glad you got it working.
It takes some getting use to the differences between xp and windows 7
in regards to permissions and all that stuff. Even when you install
programs on an administrative account, problems still persist sometimes.
What i do is always install programs by right clicking on the installer and
choosing Run as Administrator even when installing on an account with administrative
permissions. I seem to have less problems doing it that way. Anyway, just something to
keep in mind for the future.
MTSTUNER

Save for Web problem

I am using 'fit artboard to selected items' feature and everything looks as it should be until I try to export them through Save for Web.
When I do that a one pxl feathered border appears on a file, like in example (border is on left and top of the image).
I can't seem to find what's wrong, so, pls, help!
I'm on MAC, using CS 5.1.

I am saving as .png 24 with transparency and not interlaced.
However, I tried other formats and I see the same problem in all of them.
When I look at the borders in Illustrator Workspace I don't see that feather, but I can clearly see it in preview for Save for Web.
And I also know that it's not the problem with my computer because all other colleagues (there's 8 of us) are having the same issue.
So, I made another example, using just the plain red square and, while in Artboard Tool, clicked on it and Workspace showed that it bounded to square perfectly, but it's not :/
Same transparent 1pxl column on the left and top of it.

InDesign - export a PDF for web view and print

I have a brochure created for print in InDesign. I need to create a PDF for the web, that would be a link to download and print on a home printer. How do I accomplish this?
Thanks for any help!

export smallest size or take the print PDF in to Acrobat and reduce the size there.

Photoshop CS3 color management "Save for Web" problem

This problem is getting the best of me.......
After spending 3 full days researching this problem, I am no closer to finding an answer than when I started. I still cannot produce a usable image through the "Save for Web" feature of Photoshop CS3. I have read web page after web page of "Tips, Tricks and Recommendations" from dozens of experts, some from this forum, and still I have no solution... I am exhausted and frustrated to say the least. Here's the simple facts that I know at this point.
I have a web design project that was started in PS CS1. All artwork was created in photoshop and exported to JPG format by using "Save for Web". Every image displays correctly in these browsers (Safari, Camino, FireFox and even Internet Explorer on a PC).
I have recently upgraded to PS CS3 and now cannot get any newly JPG'd image to display correctly. My original settings in CS1 were of no concern to me at the time, because it always just worked, and so I do not know what they were. I have opened a few of my previous images in CS3 and found that sRGB-2.1 displays them more or less accurately. I am using sRGB 2.1 working space. Upon openning these previous image files, I get the "Missing Profile" message and of course I select "Leave as is. Do Not color manage". CS3 assumes sRGB-2.1 working space, opens the file, and all is well.
The problem is when I go to "Save for Web", the saturation goes up, and the colors change. The opposite of what most people are reporting. Here's another important point... new artwork created in CS3 does exactly the same thing, so it's not because of the older CS1 files.
I have tried every combination of "uncompensated color", "Convert to sRGB", "ICC Profile", etc. while saving. I have Converted to sRGB before saving, and my monitor is calibrated correctly.
I have tried setting the "Save for Web" page on 2-up and the "original" on the left is already color shifted before I even hit the "Save" button. Of course, the "Optimized" image on the right looks perfect because I am cheating by selecting the "Use Document Color Profile" item. Why do they even have this feature if doesn't work, or misleads you?
Does anyone have any ideas what could be happening here? Why is this all so screwed up?
CS1 worked fine out of the box.
Final note: I do have an image file I could send along that demonstrates how it is possible to display an image exactly the same in all 4 of the browsers I mentioned with no color differences. It is untagged RGB and somehow it just works.
I am very frustrated with all of this and any suggestions will be appreciated
Thanks,
Pete

>> First of all... I'm using an Adobe RGB image master... I open it and get the Profile Mismatch Screen... I choose Use Enbedded profile... all looks well. Next I go to Proof Setup > Monitor RGB... again all looks well, no change that I can tell.
This has further confused the issue on several points, not the least of which version PS you are doing this with?
>> AdobeRGB> Convert to Profile > Working Space sRGB-2.1... all still looks well... but now, when I go to Proof Setup > Monitor RGB... I see the insane oversaturated look that is driving me nuts.
That is your strongest clue...it sounds like you have a bad system or bad monitor profile. To rule out the monitor profile: Set sRGB as your monitor profile in System Prefs> Displays> Color.
>> Adobe RGB image master... I open it and get the Profile Mismatch Screen... I choose Use Enbedded profile... all looks well. Next I go to Proof Setup > Monitor RGB... again all looks well
That doesn't make sense, stripping an embedded AdobeRGB profile should desaturate the color in Softproof MonitorRGB, especially the reds -- you have something wacky going on there.
At this point I think you need to review the links and get a grip about how color management and profiles work...
BTW, forget about setting ColorSync in PS COlor Settings, use Adobe ACE.
MO,
I think SFW is fixed under CS3 :) By default it Converts to sRGB and strips the profile.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 and 'Save for Web' problem

Hi everyone,
I have used Photoshop Elements 2 for some time with absolutely no problems. However when I try to use the save for the web option I get an 'export could not be completed due to a program error' message.
Nothing relevant is mentioned on Adobe's support site. After having gone through the usual 9 troubleshooting procedure I suspect that there is a problem with the 'Save for Web EL' plugin located in the PE 2 plugins folder. Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a way I can somehow find a functional plugin?
Thank you for reading this post.
PowerBook G4 DVI 667 Mac OS 9.2.x

I don't use Photoshop elements myself, but from Photoshop CS it works fine. I use JPG compression and optimization. First of all - make sure the file format extensions are all available. Applications/adobe/photoshop elements/file formats AND ALSO Applications/adobe/photoshop elements/photoshop elements only/file formats (here I am assuming the paths are the same or similar to Photoshop). Also, check the extensions disabled folder (Control click on Photoshop and go to package contents). If it's none of these, I suggest you check the settings in Elements when trying to save and make sure you are not using an option that conflicts.
Also, check the Adobe forum. http://www.adobeforums.com
Check for software upgrades also.
You do have enough hard drive space and RAM I assume. If you are using PS Elements and virtual memory is on, you may not have enough phsyical space to save the file (but not likely)
P.S. I see (after i wrote) that you are running 9.2.2 - so the paths will not be the same as if it was on OS X - but they will be similar.

Converting InDesign File to PDF for Web

Hi,
I designed an ad that is to be used for web view only in InDesign (CS3 on PC). The file restrictions I have been given require that it is 72dpi and a PDF file. When I convert to PDF(smallest file size,no spot colors, compressed), I end up with a file that is 4MB. I'm assuming a file that is 72dpi and 6.25"x9.25" shouldn't be that big. When I look at the "Audit Space Usage" window, 90% is under "Contents Stream" (I don't know what this means).
I'm new to creating files for web viewing so I'm not sure how to go about accomplishing this without losing image quality. I've tried "reducing file size" and the "PDF Optimizer" in Acrobat. I always get the message "The PDF document contained image masks that were not downsampled." when I attempt this.
What do I need to do to create a PDF file with these specifications that will retain some of the image quality (won't look pixelated and be read-able)? I don't mind recreating the ad in Illustrator, or Photoshop if I can guarantee that I can end up where I need to be.
I would really appreciate any tips on this!!

You mention pictures. If the file is mostly pictures, then the first step is to reduce the picture content, possibly by using 256 colors rather than millions and such. Check the properties of the settings file for the conversion (I don't have current versions available to check right now - you also did not mention your Acrobat version). It is probably best to down sample in a graphics program such as Illustrator or Photoshop (depending on the image being vector or bitmap) and then include them in the original. It is always a good idea to work on a copy and leave the original in place. Trying to do the reduction in Acrobat is not the best approach.

Indesign 2014 exporting pdf for web large fiel size

I am exporting an Indesign 2014 file to pdf print for web. I have tried smallest file size, Acrobat 4 & 5 and also selected transparency flattener when exporting pdf. File comes out to 12MB either way. I have gone into Adobe pdf and optimized the pdf and comes out around 11MB. The Indesign file has some small photoshop images also layered vector AI file. I have flattened the AI file and placed that image in Indesign but file is still large. With the AI file I have exported it as a jpeg and placed that in Indesign and file comes out fine for web under 1 MB. Checking with the group if there is a way that Indesign can export the AI file without replacing it as a jpeg.

Checking with the group?
The best and most logical way would be to export a PDF from the AI and place that one, so ID just needs to copy. ID is not an AI-to-PDF converter.

Photoshop CS6. Save for Web Problem - Don't remember folder location

Hi!
Found one more problem with Save For Web in Photoshop CS6.
Example:
1. New Document
2. Choose - Save for web
3. In dialog window Photoshop CS6 offer to save in - os My Document Folder
4. Ok, every time I don't really need to save in os folders - I save files to my folders. So, change folder ...for example to disc D
5. Create another New document
6. Choose Save for web
7. And.... - Photoshop CS6 offer to save my file in os My Documents AGAIN !!!
So, in fact it's real uncomortable!!! ...if I save different files for web frequently ....I need every time change My Documents....it makes me nervous.......
Here - compare with CS3: CS3 remember "old" folder location even at another session (for example - after reload os)
Is there any fix this problem?
p.s. Testing on:
OS - windows 7 64 bit
cs6 - 64 bit extended
cs3 - 64 bit extended

Noel, Yes! In your example everything works like on your video. May be my explanation was not so clear, so...I'm trying to describe in more details.
I don't know how to make video & animated gif by capture the screen...so I'll try to explain by words
1. Start CS6
2. Make New Document
3. Save for Web (save parametres are: JPEG, HIGH etc....I think it doesn't matter)
4. CS6 offer "My Documents"
5. Change the way to "Disc D"
6. Save it by name for example "Untitled-1".... & close window "Save for web"
7. Choose "Save for Web" again
....So, at this step - CS6 remember my current location "Disc D" even I open other file & use command "Save for web"...it saves to Disc D. Everything is ok.
....continue:
8. Shut down the CS6
9. Run it again
10. Create new file or....even open saved file on disc D in previous session - "Untitled-1"
11. Save for Web
So, it's final: CS6 offer the "My documents" AGAIN
....continue:
12. Run CS6 - Make New File - Save for Web to disc D by name "Untitled-1"
13. Keep the photoshop session & create new document...let's call it "Untitled-2" - so, now I have 2 files opened in CS6: "Untitled-1" (it was saved on disc D before) & new "Untitled-2"
14. So if I'll try to save second file "Untitled-2" fo web CS6 offer the way "My documents" AGAIN!
p.s. Tryied to do the same on CS3 - Shut down CS3 2-3 times, opened different files, create new docs - there's no trouble. In global - CS3 remember last way (in my case it's "Disc D") & doesn't change it by itself. In fact working in CS3 I din't feel any problems with this command "Save for Web", that's the reason I didn't write any questions on forums etc..... But starting to try CS6 I really feel it makes the work to change every time the folder ways not so comfortable...so I wrote the question here
p.s. 2 In spite of I didn't work in CS4-CS5 cause it were not comfortable in my opinion....now I wanted to test "save for web" in CS5. Trouble is the same even during one session:
1. Run CS5
2. Create new document
3. Save for web - CS5 offer "My Dociment", change it to "disc D" - save - ok
4. Shut down, run CS5 again
5. Create New, or even Opened old saved file to disc D (for example from step 3) - CS5 offer the way "My documents" again
I hope this my explanation was more clear to understand

Save for web problem for transparent gaphics

hi!
savng any transparent graphic in " save for web&.." the transparancy of original file is shown much more opaque/darker and so it will save in png file.
iattached file where you can see red box with 40% opaciy , but when opened in save for web it looks more like 60% opacity.
i found solutions of some problems for color shifting in save for web , but none of them solves my problem.
Any ideas?

All is not as hopeless as it seems just a bit hidden in CS 3 and earlier in CS 4 the mystry was brought to the frnt though not really document as far as I know.
The problem is simple to correct and has a logical reason why it is manifesting itself this way.
In CS 3's Save for Device and Web there is a small triangle at the top left had corner on the image display window that offers you a choice between the default and the problem uncompressed color, Macintosh color, Windows color and Document Color Profile which is what you are looking for since that is what you expect to match.
There is also the option to convert to sRGB which what the web basically displays well. Which is located on the upper right corner of the dialog also a drop down.
I hope this helps you find your way it used to drive me a bit crazy myself till I took a really close look at the dialog.

Help Save for Web problem PE9 default gif setting

I have a 64 bit PC with Windows 7. PE9 and problem is when I "Save for Web" as a jpg....everytime I save a file it defaults back to the gif everytime. I want the default to be JPG!! I never use gif for anything. Pain in the rear to change the drop and setting to jpg everytime. I have a call tag in with no help yet, and have reinstalled PE9.Thanks in advance. Ray

It’s usually due to incorrect permissions settings on the OS.
Open Windows Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Program Files\Adobe
Locate the Photoshop Elements 9 folder (the one with the blue PSE logo)
Right click on that folder and choose Properties - then click the security tab and make the following changes:
1. Click on the edit button to change permissions.
2. Click Add and type the word “Everyone” in the Object names Box (without the quotation marks) and click OK.
3. Under group/User Names select everyone so that it becomes highlighted.
4. Put a check mark in the box against Allow Full Control and click Apply.
N.B. for Windows 64 bit navigate to Program Files (x86)
PSE should now remember you last settings rather than reverting to the default settings.

Diagnosing output PDF-for-Web problems?

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