PDF/X-3 Quartz Filter

Hi
Thinking that my issue was Pages related, I have posted similar questions in the Pages area but hope that this will have a wider readership amongst people here familiar with pdf production in OS X.
I'm using Pages to design a document that needs to be sent to a commercial print service for large quantity output. The printer demands that the pdf be in CMYK and further that all embedded graphics and images be CMYK. All the photos in my document are RGB, I have no idea what colorspace the Pages graphics are in.
Having read Apple's document on Color Management in OS X (http://images.apple.com/pro/pdf/ColorMgmtinTiger.pdf), I think that I can use the Save As PDF-X function on the print dialog to ensure that my document is converted to a pdf conforming to the printer's requirements - 'late binding' as the above document describes it.
My thought was that if I obtained the appropriate ICC profile from my printer for his devices, ink and paper then I would stand a reasonable chance of getting an acceptable color match. I don't need it to be perfect for this job.
I can't afford to use InDesign or Quark for this project.
My questions are:
1. Does the above sound like a reasonable plan? Does anyone else have any experience they can share using this technique?
2. Can I be confident that the Save As PDF-X workflow will truly result in the desired CMYK pdf with all the graphics and images converted appropriately?
3. I know this is subjective but, if it works, how close will the color be? Does anyone have any practical experience to share?
Thanks!

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Apply Quartz filter to a PDF from command line

Hello
I'm trying to apply a quartz filter to a PDF document via the command line. I know it's possible with Python and there's a script at /Developer/Examples/Quartz/Python/filter-pdf.py that does just that. The problem with this is that the script is Python 2.3 and my OS X 10.5.8 is running Python 2.5 - so I'm getting the error message:
+<Error>: The function `CGPDFDocumentGetMediaBox' is obsolete and will be removed in an upcoming update. Unfortunately, this application, or a library it uses, is using this obsolete function, and is thereby contributing to an overall degradation of system performance. Please use `CGPDFPageGetBoxRect' instead.+
I don't know Pyton but I checked the file and I grep'ed the Developer folder to see if I can find where CGPDFDocumentGetMediaBox is being used, but no matter what I changed, I didn't manage to get the script working.
So I guess my question is one of the following:
How can I update the developer example to a new, functioning version?
or how do I get rid of the deprecated functions that script is using?
or is there any other way to apply a quartz filter to a PDF via the command line? (I've read that SIPS is able to accomplish this, but I couldn't find out how..)
Thank you for any help!
Cheers

There a quartz filter printer hidden in OS X which makes applying a quartz filter to a PDF file on the command line a piece of cake. This is the syntax:
+/System/Library/Printers/Libraries/./quartzfilter inputfile filterpath outputfile+
So if I wanted to convert big.pdf to small.pdf it would go like this:$
+/System/Library/Printers/Libraries/quartzfilter big.pdf /System/Library/Filters/Reduce\ File\ Size.qfilter small.pdf+
The "Reduce File Size" filter isn't that great though when it comes to reducing the file size for printing. Jerome Colas wrote a nice article about quartz filters though: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6109445&tstart=0
You can also create your own with the ColorSync utility in Mac OS X. A Quartz filter is nothing but an XML, so you could also generate one on the fly if necessary.
Resource: http://macscripter.net/viewtopic.php?id=25916

How do I Apply a Quartz Filter Automatically to PDF Scan Using Preview

Hi,
Question: is there a 1-step process to scan to PDF and create reasonable file sizes.
I've found discussions on this, but no conclusive answer that someone has actually tested and used.
PROBLEM: Scanned PDFs are large
SOLUTION: use a quartz filter to reduce size.
The problem with this approach is that its a two step process
1. scan the file using preview (Import from scanner)
2. "Save As" with a filter applied to reduce size.
What I'm looking for is someone that's got this down to a 1-step process using only built-in tools of 10.6.
Thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to reply - but not entirely true.
My use case for smaller files is sending them via email. You are correct that size on the local file system should not be (and is not) an issue.
Let me clarify why this is a 2-step process (for me) at the moment.
When you use preview (I've been unsuccessful with Image Capture and don't know it would make a difference) and hit scan, the document IS saved. You can then immediately quit preview and your document is still at the save location you specify. Hence this would be a 1-step process.
The additional step I need to do is "Save As" so I can invoke the quartz filter I created that reduces the PDF by about 80% in size with no visible loss of integrity.
I would like this filter to get automatically applied when the document is first scanned - something I'm starting to think is not possible.
I've gotten partial results by adjusting DPI and other factors of the initial scan, but not the reduction in size I can get by applying the filter.

The pdfs that are produce in Word are very large. I need a method of compressing them variably - not just a quick reduction using the quartz filter. Is their a suitable free compression programme,

The pdfs that I produce in Word are very large. I need a method of compressing them variably - not just a quick reduction using the quartz filter. Is their a suitable free compression programme,

PDF Shrink for Mac
Compress PDF – Reduce your PDF Online
PdfCompress for Mac

Quartz filter settings for compressing pdf file

I have used the nominal quartz filter setting (reduce file size) to compress pdf file. It reduced the file
size significantly--but the text resolution was considerably blurred.
What is an appropriate setting to reduce pdf file size and not destroy the test resolution ?

See if this helps...
https://discussions.apple.com/message/17870054#17870054

Compress PDF vs. Reduced File Size Quartz Filter?

Sometimes the PDFs I produce through the print function get pretty huge.
In the PDF drop down on the print menu there is a compress PDF option that I sometimes use.
Then someone said I should go to print, to the copies and pages, select "colour sinc" and on the Quartz Filter select "Reduce File Size" then hit the "save as pdf" on the pdf button.
I have no idea what I just typed
What's the difference between the two approaches and which would produce the best quality PDF at an manageable size?
I just tried PDFing this page using the three options -- regular pdf, compressed pdf and that colour sink / quartz filter / reduce file size. Damned if the smallest file isn't the regular (at 76 kb) next is the reduced (92kb) and the largest file is the compressed (140kb). Maybe not a proper test but what the heck?
Any thoughts?
Thanks

I believe that the same filter is applied no matter whether it is done through the Compress PDF button, which is an Automator action, or using ColorSync.
If you would like to experiment with it, you can also apply it through the ColorSync Utility. If you copy the Reduce File Size filter, you can change the amount of reduction done. You can preview the results there, too.
The filter only affects images, not text.

I have to zip pdf files to email them to someone with a PC. The problem is they aren't smaller after zipping and I can't email them. I tried adjusting the Quartz filter to the Reduce file size. Now they're smaller, but the recipient can't read them. Help!

I need to zip pdf files to email them to a PC user. The problem is file size is not reduced.
I tried zipping them in Win 7 (which I use via Parallels 7) and sending them to the Finder to email.
But lately nothing is reduced. I tried choosing the Reduce File Size option in the Quartz Filter when I save the doc. The file size was reduced. However, the recipient could not read the file. Everything was blurry.
Is there a solution?

I am having some PDF sizing issues also, I am a BETA tester for TurboCAD Mac, and with the usage of (public) version 5, I have had some scaling issues. I have had (auto sent) 15 plus crash reports, (available as text) and had posted my scenario within the "lion- problems so far" article, so not to use up extra bandwith- or whatever- there are pictures there. I was not able to upload a PDF on site, and the staff @ Turbo CAd is working on it also. this is Lion specific new update, as I have posted many large format PDF's
Here (edit to add url)
Thanks for the helps!
Johnny

Black & White quartz filter behaves oddly when creating PDFs

I think the Black and White Quartz Filter should print all colours and greys as Black. But pale colours and light greys are not printed at all, presumably they are 'White'. Printing all colours as Black is a useful property when printing CAD drawings, for instance.
I tried to create my own qfilter to do the job, which involves using a 'Bilevel' Intermediate Transform cranked to the max, but the ColorSync utility wouldn't let me rename it anything but 'Untitled'. Smells like a permissions problem?
I eventually duplicated the Black & White qfilter, which was automatically named 'Black & White Copy'. I was able to edit the actions, but not it's name. Changing the file's name by hand wouldn't change it in the ColorSync Utility.
Printers available for testing were an HP LaserJet 2100TN, and an EPSON Stylus Color 1160.
Eric
Dual 2.3 PowerPC G5 Mac OS X (10.4.4)

I think the Black and White Quartz Filter should print all colours and greys as Black. But pale colours and light greys are not printed at all, presumably they are 'White'. Printing all colours as Black is a useful property when printing CAD drawings, for instance.
I tried to create my own qfilter to do the job, which involves using a 'Bilevel' Intermediate Transform cranked to the max, but the ColorSync utility wouldn't let me rename it anything but 'Untitled'. Smells like a permissions problem?
I eventually duplicated the Black & White qfilter, which was automatically named 'Black & White Copy'. I was able to edit the actions, but not it's name. Changing the file's name by hand wouldn't change it in the ColorSync Utility.
Printers available for testing were an HP LaserJet 2100TN, and an EPSON Stylus Color 1160.
Eric
Dual 2.3 PowerPC G5 Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Reducing file size #2...Preview, Quartz Filter vs Adobe Pro Optimize

Questions on reducing a pages to pdf file…I will post each question seperatly.
2) I read that you can reduce file size of a pdf in preview with a quartz filter. I created my own filer and it worked as expected. But, I also have Adobe Acrobat Pro, with save as PDF Optimized. The pro seems to have much more capability than the quartz filters.
Is one better that the other to use? The adobe optimize (standard settings) took it from 20 to 6 megs.
THanks, Bob

The Adobe Acrobat settings you chose are probably using .jpeg to reduce the file size.
.jpegs are lossy. ie You lose detail and sharpness the more you compress the image.
The Quartz filters are usually of very high quality, but they are a black box and you need to understand what the settings are in each one. Quartz filters are extremely powerful, fast and as I said usually high quality but I suggest you experiment and see if they meet your needs.
Peter

Quartz Filter function in Preview.

I am having a problem with the Quartz Filter function in Preview. I do a monthly newsletter for a local car club. The newsletter is distributed as a printed copy and as a PDF for e-mail and on-line viewing. I prepare the newsletter in iStudio Publisher and then open it in Preview. The file size can be quite large so I use the Export-Quartz Filter-Reduce File Size to prepare the PDF for e-mail use. Since I have updated to Mavericks 10.9 some portions of the newsletter come out as a negative. See the below example.

Hi. Thanks for answering.
Take a look in what I have in Google Sheet:
Maybe I'm not using it right, but seems to me if I need to change what I want to see (if Chinese, Italian...) I need to go back in Filter dialog and change the value, can't be dynamic, based in a cell value. Besides that seems to me if I use filter all the rest of my sheet disappears. This Filter Function can be put in any place, so I can do, for example, first 5 lines showing Chinese, the next 5 showing Italian etc.
Hope my screenshots helps.
Thanks.

How to automate application of quartz filter to scanner output?

Hello.
I have a new scanner and it generates large TIFF and PDF files. I know I can use Eric Meyer's Reduce File Size (75%) quartz filter script ( http://meyerweb.com/eric/thoughts/2010/02/25/better-pdf-file-size-reduction-in-o s-x/ ) in Preview to re-save the files greatly reduced in size but it's rather tedious to have to do this manually.
Can anyone suggest an easier way or how I can automate this?
The things that jump to mind (and I know are over my head as my following story will show) would be an applescript or automator generated script. I thought this is one of those things that folder scripts would be good for and I have failed miserably to set one up using Automator.
I went into Automator and chose folder action and then applying the quartz filter to a pdf. It asked me if I wanted to apply the action to a copy and leave the originals untouched and I said yes and chose the same folder that I was attaching the action to. I then chose the Reduce File Size (75%) for the filter. It ran and reduced the file and left the reduced file in the folder with the action but the original vanished.
I deleted the folder and tried again, but now the folder action dialog comes up blank and I have to manually select the Reduce File Size (75%) from a drop down list. Also, it left the original in the folder with the action and no filter was applied. So I made a different folder called "originals" and pointed the add a copy step to it, and now it puts the reduced copy there and the original vanishes.
I am totally lost. It seems like the actions change each time I try to do something and I can't figure out where these automator folder actions are being stored.
I would be THRILLED if I could drop the scans into a folder "apply Reduce File Size (75%)" and have reduced files go to a folder "reduced pdfs" and originals go to an "origin pdfs". Is it possible to get automator to do this?
I have the interest but not the mental bandwidth to learn how to write an applescript to do this.
Is there some other easy way that I'm overlooking?
I will greatly appreciate any and all help.

hotwheels 22 wrote:
Guys!
I am missing a step here.
Is there some need to hit run or something within automator? Am I supposed to get a file in the folder I choose? Do I then drag and drop a pdf over the folder or the file to get the file reduced with the filter?
I am new to mac and my 100 - 900 MB pdf's are kicking my butt...
Anybody know how to get this going?
Thanks.
Let's see. How far did you get? Did you create the Quartz filter using ColorSync?
Next step is to open Automater and double click folder action.
Drag the action "Apply Quartz Filter to PDF Documents" over to the right hand side and drop it. You will get prompted to add or not add a copy function. If you want to have it back things up hit add, if you just want them compressed hit "don't add".
In the Filter drop down select the quartz filter you created in the ColorSync Utility.
Now scroll up on the right hand side (it's a bug in Automator). At the very top you'll see a drop down to choose the folder that the folder action is going to be applied to. Select your folder.
Hit Save on the File menu. Call your folder action something logical, like Compress PDFs and hit save. You can now quit automator.
Now that this is done you can drag PDFs into the folder you assigned the action to and it will compress the images in them to JPEG, reducing the size of your PDFs. It will not prompt you or give you any feedback that the magic has happened but it will happen. You might want to make sure your settings are right by working with copies rather than originals, but whatever.

Can't save quartz filter settings

Does anyone know why upgrading recently to Mountain Lion has killed my ability to save a new quartz filter setting in ColorSync Utility, so it isn't recognised by Preview? I need this to compress large PDFs when generating a monthly community magazine I edit and now have to use my wife's iMac, which is still running Snow Leopard. If this could be a corrupted settings file (eg. .plist), where should I look?

What happens when you try?

ColorSync Quartz Filter not accepting name

I have tried creating a new Quartz Filter for PDFX-3 in ColorSync Utility.
Besides the overall lack of documentation and guidance, I can not name the new filter with anything other than XXXXXX. Everything else just reverts back to Untitled.

I also have this problem, using OSX 10.8.5

Quartz Filter - How to use to lighten prinouts

My new color laser printer is printing a little dark. I looked at color sync and the quartz filters. I have read the instruction and moved the sliders around but I see no difference in the printng.
There is no other thing that I can change to make the print lighter.
Does anyone know how to use the quartz filter in coor sync to lighten the picture?
G-5 , 2.3 Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Image src = getImage("doc:///demo/images/duke/T1.gif");
ColorFilter colorfilter = new ColorFilter(Color.color);//whatever color
Image img = createImage(new FilteredImageSource(src.getSource(), colorfilter));
Is that what you mean?? I'll try it when I get a chance.. THANKS!!

I am currently getting finder error screen saying "Quartz-filter plugin" error, Please report to apple. Can anyone please help me find a resolution for this error?

I am currently getting finder error screen saying "Quartz-filter plugin" error, Please report to apple. Can anyone please help me find a resolution for this error?

If it were me I would schedule an appointment at the store where you bought it and meet with the Manager of the store in person. Print this post and bring it with you along with your iMac.
And change the password on your Apple ID and then see if there are in purchases in your account that you did not make. If there are then someone did get your ID and password. If not someone got your Credit Card information from somewhere and used it.

PDF/X-3 Quartz Filter

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