PDF Generator converts various file formats to PDF. It also converts PDF to other file formats and optimizes the size of PDF documents. For a list of supported file formats, see “Generate PDF service” in Services Reference .
There are three ways to send files to PDF Generator for processing:
You can configure various settings for PDF Generator.
PDF Generator provides the ability to enable multi-threaded file conversions for certain types of files. Multi-threaded file conversion improves the performance of PDF Generator by allowing it to perform multiple conversions at the same time.
By default, PDF Generator can convert only one OpenOffice, Microsoft Word, or PowerPoint document at a time. If you enable multi-threaded conversions, PDF Generator can convert more than one of the documents concurrently. PDF Generator will launch multiple instances of OpenOffice or PDFMaker (used to perform the Word and PowerPoint conversions).
Note: Multi-threaded file conversions are not supported with Microsoft Word 2003 and PowerPoint 2003. To enable multi-threaded file conversions, upgrade to Microsoft Word 2007 and PowerPoint 2007 or Microsoft Word 2010 and PowerPoint 2010.
Note: Multi-threaded file conversions are not supported with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, or Microsoft Publisher.
Each instance of OpenOffice or PDFMaker is launched using a separate user account. Each user account that you add must be a valid user with administrative privileges on the forms server computer. In a clustered environment, the same set of users must be valid for all nodes of the cluster.
On the User Accounts page in administration console, you can specify which user accounts to use for multi-threaded file conversions. You can add accounts, delete them, or change account passwords. If you are running PDF Generator on Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008, add at least three user accounts that have administrator privileges.
When adding users for OpenOffice, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft PowerPoint on Windows Server 2003 or 2008, or for OpenOffice on Linux or Sun™ Solaris™, dismiss the initial activation dialogs for all users.
On a Windows Operating system, the administrator user accounts that are used for PDF conversion (PDFG users) will need replace process level token privileges. You can add this right by using the Group Policy Editor:
If you are running OpenOffice, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft PowerPoint on Windows Server 2008, disable UAC for each user added.
lcadm myhost=(user1) NOPASSWD: ALL lcadm myhost=(user2) NOPASSWD: ALL
This configuration enables lcadm to run any command on host ‘myhost’ as ‘user1’ or ‘user2’ without prompting for password.
Note: Ensure that you have assigned system user and PDFG user roles to ‘user1’ and ‘user2’ . To assign PDFG role to a user, see Add a user account
Defaults requiretty
Note: OpenOffice must be installed in a directory location that all PDFG users can access. You can verify this by logging in as the PDFG user and checking whether you can launch OpenOffice without issues.
Note: If you are configuring users for OpenOffice, the number of instances of OpenOffice cannot be greater than number of user accounts specified in this step.
The Adobe PDF Settings page shows the conversion settings that you can specify for your sources to use. You can use any of the predefined PDF settings or create your own. The PDF settings determine precisely how files are converted and their resultant PDF structure and features. Adobe PDF settings were previously known as Distiller® parameters or job options.
On the Adobe PDF Settings page, you can do the following tasks:
Adobe PDF settings are applicable only to the PDFMaker based conversions. These include the following conversions:
PDF Generator provides several predefined PDF settings for your use. You cannot modify these predefined settings; however, you can create a setting based on an existing one by editing the setting and saving it under a new name.
These PDF files can be opened in Adobe Acrobat 5 and Adobe Acrobat Reader® 5 or later.
Oversized Pages: Creates PDF documents that are suitable for reliable viewing and printing of engineering drawings that are larger than 200 x 200 inches. Created PDF documents can be opened in Adobe Acrobat Professional and Acrobat Standard, version 7 or later, and Adobe Reader 7 or later.
PDF/A-1B 2005 CMYK / PDF/A-1B 2005 RGB: Checks incoming jobs for compliance to the ISO standard for long-term preservation (archival) of electronic documents and creates PDF/A files only if compliant. These files are primarily used for archiving. Compliant files can contain only text, raster images, and vector objects; they cannot contain encryption and scripts. In addition, all fonts must be embedded so that the documents can be opened and viewed as created. PDF/A-1b uses PDF 1.4 and converts all colors to either CMYK or RGB, depending on which standard you choose. PDF files that are created with this settings file can be opened in Acrobat 5 and Acrobat Reader 5 and later. For more information about PDF/A, see Adobe and industry standards .
PDF/X-1a 2001: Checks incoming jobs for PDF/X-1a compliance, and creates PDF files only if compliant. PDF/X-1a is an ISO standard for graphic content exchange. PDF/X-1a requires all fonts to be embedded, the appropriate PDF boxes to be specified, and color to appear as either CMYK or spot colors. PDF files that meet PDF/X-1a requirements are targeted to a specific output condition, such as web offset printing according to Specifications Web Offset Publications. For more information about PDF/X, see Adobe and industry standards.
PDF/X-3 2002: Checks incoming jobs for PDF/X-3 compliance and creates PDF files only if compliant. Like PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-3 is an ISO standard for graphic content exchange. The main difference is that PDF/X-3 supports device-independent color.
Print jobs fail if they have fonts that cannot be embedded. These PDF files can be opened in Acrobat 5 and Acrobat Reader 5 and later.
Note: Before you create a PDF file to send to a commercial printer or prepress service provider, determine the output resolution and other settings, or request a .joboptions file with the recommended settings. You may need to customize the Adobe PDF settings for a particular provider and then provide a .joboptions file of your own.
Smallest File Size: Creates PDF files for displaying on the web or an intranet, or for distribution through an email system for onscreen viewing. This set of options uses compression, downsampling, and a relatively low image resolution. It converts all colors to sRGB and does not embed fonts unless necessary. It also optimizes files for byte serving. These PDF files can be opened in Acrobat 5 and Acrobat Reader 5.0 and later.
Standard: Creates PDF files to print to desktop printers or digital copiers, publish on a CD, or send to a client as a publishing proof. This set of options uses compression and downsampling to reduce the file size. It also embeds subsets of all fonts that are used in the file, converts all colors to sRGB, and prints to a medium resolution to create a reasonably accurate rendition of the original document. Notice that Microsoft Windows font subsets are not embedded by default. These PDF files can be opened in Acrobat 5 and Acrobat Reader 5.0 and later.
PDF settings determine precisely how files are converted and their resultant PDF structure and features. Define a new PDF setting or edit one that you created previously. You cannot modify predefined settings, but you can create a setting based on an existing one by editing the setting and saving it under a new name.
You can have PDF settings available on the PDF Generator server by uploading them from a local computer or a network location.
You can permanently delete PDF settings if they are no longer required.
Use the general options to specify the version of Acrobat to use for file compatibility and other file and device options. For instructions about accessing the General options, see Add or edit PDF settings .
Compatibility: The compatibility level of the PDF file. For documents that will be widely distributed, consider selecting Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3) or Acrobat 5 (PDF 1.4) to ensure that all users can view and print the document. If you create files by using Acrobat 5 compatibility or later, they may not be compatible with earlier versions of Acrobat. The following subsections show some of the differences between PDF files that are created using different levels of Acrobat compatibility.
Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3)
Acrobat 5 (PDF 1.4)
Acrobat 6 (PDF 1.5)
Acrobat 7 (PDF 1.6) and Acrobat 8 (PDF 1.7)
Can be opened with Acrobat 3.0 and Acrobat Reader 3.0 and later.
Can be opened with Acrobat 3.0 and Acrobat Reader 3.0 and later. Features specific to later versions may be lost or not viewable.
Most can be opened with Acrobat 4 and Acrobat Reader 4.0 and later. Features specific to later versions may be lost or not viewable.
Most can be opened with Acrobat 4 and Acrobat Reader 4.0 and later. Features specific to later versions may be lost or not viewable.
Cannot contain artwork that uses live transparency effects. Any transparency must be flattened before converting to PDF 1.3.
Supports the use of live transparency in artwork. (Acrobat Distiller feature flattens transparency.)
Supports the use of live transparency in artwork. (Acrobat Distiller feature flattens transparency.)
Supports the use of live transparency in artwork. (Acrobat Distiller feature flattens transparency.)
Layers are not supported.
Layers are not supported.
Preserves layers when you create PDF files from applications that support the generation of layered PDF documents, such as Adobe Illustrator® CS or Adobe InDesign® CS and later.
Preserves layers when you create PDF files from applications that support the generation of layered PDF documents, such as Illustrator CS or InDesign CS and later.
DeviceN color space with 8 colorants is supported.
DeviceN color space with 8 colorants is supported.
DeviceN color space with up to 31 colorants is supported.
DeviceN color space with up to 31 colorants is supported.
Multibyte fonts can be embedded. (Distiller converts the fonts when embedding.)
Multibyte fonts can be embedded.
Multibyte fonts can be embedded.
Multibyte fonts can be embedded.
40-bit RC4 security is supported.
128-bit RC4 security is supported.
128-bit RC4 security is supported.
128-bit RC4 and 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) security supported.
Object Level Compression: Consolidates small objects (each of which are not compressible itself) into streams that can then be efficiently compressed. Off: Does not compress any structural information in the PDF document. Select this option if you want users to view, navigate, and interact with bookmarks and other structural information by using Acrobat 5 and later.
Tags Only: Compresses structural information in the PDF document. Using this option results in a PDF file that can be opened and printed by using Acrobat 5. Users cannot view any accessibility, structure, or tagged PDF information in Acrobat 5 or Acrobat Reader 5.0, but they can view this information in Acrobat 6 and Adobe Reader 6.0.
Auto-Rotate Pages: Sets the automatic rotation of pages based on the orientation of the text or DSC comments. For example, some pages (such as pages that contain tables) may require the user to turn them sideways to read them. Select Individually to rotate each page based on the direction of the text on that page. Select Collectively By File to rotate all pages in the document based on the orientation of most text.
Note: If Process DSC Comments is selected in the Advanced settings and if %%Viewing Orientation comments are included, these comments take precedence in determining page orientation.
Binding: Specifies whether to display a PDF file with left-side or right-side binding. This setting affects the display of pages in the Facing Page - Continuous layout and the display of thumbnails side by side.
Resolution: Sets the emulation for the resolution of a printer for input files that adjust their behavior according to the resolution of the printer they are printing to. For most input files, a higher resolution setting results in larger but higher-quality PDF files, and a lower setting results in smaller but lower-quality PDF files. Most commonly, resolution determines the number of steps in a gradient or blend. You can enter a value from 72 to 4000. Keep this setting as the default unless you plan to print the PDF file to a specific printer and you want to emulate the resolution defined in the original input file.
Note: Increasing the resolution setting increases file size and may slightly increase the time required to process some files.
All Pages or Pages From: Specifies which pages to convert. Leave the To box empty to create a range from the page number you enter in the From box to the end of the file.
Optimize For Fast Web View: Restructures the file for page-at-a-time downloading (byte serving) from web servers. This option compresses text and line art, regardless of what you selected as compression settings on the Images tab. Compression results in faster access and viewing when downloading the file from the web or a network. By default, this option is not enabled.
The Default Page Size options specify the page size to use when one is not specified in the original file. Typically, Adobe PostScript files include this information, except for Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) files, which give a bounding box size but not a page size. The maximum page size allowed is 15,000,000 inches (31,800,000 cm) in either direction. These options configure the default page size:
Width: Width of the page
Height: Height of the page
Units: Units to use for the width and height settings
The Images options specify compression and resampling for images. You can experiment with these options to find an appropriate balance between file size and image quality. For instructions about accessing the Images settings, see Add or edit PDF settings .
These options configure color, grayscale, and monochrome images:
Downsample: Set a value for each type of image. To downsample color, grayscale, or monochrome images, PDF Generator combines pixels in a sample area to make one larger pixel. Provide the resolution of your output device in dots per inch (dpi) and enter a resolution in dpi in the For Images Above box. For images with a resolution above this threshold, PDF Generator combines pixels, as needed, to reduce the resolution of the image (pixels per inch) to the specified dpi setting. To turn off downsampling, select Off. Here are the options: Average Downsampling To: Averages the pixels in a sample area and replaces the entire area with the average pixel color at the specified resolution.
Bicubic Downsampling To: Uses a weighted average to determine pixel color and usually yields better results than the simple averaging method of downsampling. Bicubic is the slowest but most precise method and results in the smoothest tonal gradations.
Subsampling To: Selects a pixel in the center of the sample area and replaces the entire area with that pixel at the specified resolution. Subsampling significantly reduces the conversion time compared to downsampling, but it results in images that are less smooth and continuous.
The resolution setting for color and grayscale should be 1.5 to 2 times the line screen ruling that the file will be printed at. (Providing you do not go below this recommended resolution setting, images that contain no straight lines, or geometric or repeating patterns, are not affected by a lower resolution.) The resolution for monochrome images should be the same as the output device. However, be aware that saving a monochrome image at a resolution higher than 1500 dpi increases the file size without noticeably improving image quality.
Also consider whether users need to magnify a page. For example, if you are creating a PDF document of a map, consider using a higher image resolution so that users can zoom in on the map.
Note: Resampling monochrome images can have unexpected viewing results, such as no image display. If this problem occurs, turn off resampling and convert the file again. This problem is most likely to occur with subsampling and least likely to occur with bicubic downsampling.
This table shows contains types of printers and their resolution measured in dpi, their default screen ruling measured in lines per inch (lpi), and a resampling resolution for images that are measured in pixels per inch (ppi). For example, to print to a 600-dpi laser printer, enter 170 for the resolution to resample images at.
Default line screen
300 dpi (laser printer)
600 dpi (laser printer)
1200 dpi (imagesetter)
2400 dpi (imagesetter)
Make sure that monochrome images are scanned as monochrome and not as grayscale. Scanned text is sometimes saved as grayscale images by default. Grayscale text that is compressed with the JPEG compression method is not clear and may be unreadable.
Image Quality: Configures the image quality for color and grayscale images. The options are minimum, low, medium, high, and maximum.
Anti-alias To Gray: Smooths jagged edges in monochrome images. Select 2 bit, 4 bit, or 8 bit to specify 4, 16, or 256 levels of gray. (Anti-aliasing may blur small type or thin lines.)
Note: Compression of text and line art is always on.Image Policy: Set a policy for color, grayscale, and monochrome images. If the image resolution falls below the specified resolution, you can still select to proceed (Ignore), provide a warning message, or cancel the job.
The Fonts options specify which fonts to embed in a PDF file and whether to embed a subset of characters that are used in the PDF file. For instructions about accessing the Fonts options, see Add or edit PDF settings .
Note: When you combine PDF files with the same font subset, PDF Generator attempts to combine the font subsets.
Embed All Fonts: Embeds all fonts that are used in the file. Font embedding is required for PDF/X compliance.
Subset Embedded Fonts When Percent Of Characters Used Is Less Than: If you select this option, specify a threshold percentage to embed only a subset of the fonts. For example, if the threshold is 35 and less than 35% of the characters are used, PDF Generator embeds only those characters. Only fonts with appropriate permission bits are embedded.
When Embedding Fails: Specifies how PDF Generator responds if it cannot find a font to embed when processing a file. You can have PDF Generator ignore the request and substitute the font, warn you and substitute the font, or cancel processing of the current job.
Font Source: The location of the fonts that PDF Generator uses.
Note: A TrueType font can contain a setting that the font designer added that prevents the font from being embedded in PDF files.
Note: Fonts are picked from the Windows system font cache and a system restart is required to update the cache. After specifying the Customer font directory, ensure that you restart the system on which AEM forms is installed.
The Color options set all color management information for PDF Generator. For instructions about accessing the Color options, see Add or edit PDF settings .
Settings File: This list contains a list of color settings that are also used in major graphics applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. The color setting you select determines the other Adobe color settings on this page. For example, if you select a setting other than None, all options other than those for Device-Dependent Data are predefined and dimmed. You can edit the Color Management Policies and Working Spaces settings only if you select None for Settings File.
If you selected None for the Settings File, the Color Management Policies area specifies how PDF Generator converts unmanaged color in a PostScript file.
Leave Color Unchanged: Leaves device-dependent colors unchanged and preserves device-independent colors as the nearest possible equivalent in PDF. This option is useful to print shops that have calibrated all their devices, used that information to specify color in the file, and output only to those devices.
Tag Everything for Color Management: Embeds an International Color Consortium profile when distilling files and calibrates color in the images, which makes colors in the resultant PDF files device-independent if you selected Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3) or later compatibility. However, device-dependent color spaces in files (RGB, Grayscale, and CMYK) are converted to device-independent color spaces (CalRGB, CalGray, and LAB).
Tag Only Images for Color Management: Embeds ICC profiles only in images, not text or graphics, when distilling files if you selected Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3) compatibility. This option prevents black text from undergoing any color shift. However, device-dependent color spaces in images (RGB, Grayscale, and CMYK) are converted to device-independent color spaces (CalRGB, CalGray, and LAB). Text and graphics are not converted.
Convert All Colors to sRGB or Convert All Colors to CMYK: Calibrates color in the file, making the color device-independent, similar to Tag Everything for Color Management. If you selected Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3) or later compatibility and convert to sRGB, the CMYK and RGB images are converted to sRGB.
Regardless of the compatibility option you select, grayscale images are left unchanged. This usually reduces the size and increases the display speed of PDF files because less information is needed to describe RGB images than to describe CMYK images. Because RGB is the native color space that is used on monitors, no color conversion is necessary during display, which contributes to fast online viewing. This option is recommended if the PDF file is for use online or with low-resolution printers.
Document Rendering Intent: The method to map colors between color spaces. The result of any particular method depends on the profiles of the color spaces. For example, some profiles produce identical results with different methods. These options are available: Preserve: Means that the intent is specified in the output device rather than in the PDF file. In many output devices, Relative Colorimetric is the default intent.
Perceptual: Maintains the relative color values among the original pixels as they are mapped to the destination gamut. This method preserves the visual relationship between colors, although the color values themselves may change.
Saturation: Maintains the relative saturation values of the original pixels. This method is suitable for business graphics, where the exact relationship between colors is not as important as having bright saturated colors.
Relative Colorimetric: Remaps the white point of the source space to the white point of the destination space.
Absolute Colorimetric: Disables the matching of white and black points when converting colors. This method is not recommended unless you must preserve signature colors, such as those used in trademarks or logos.
Note: In all cases, intents may be ignored or overridden by color management operations that occur after the creation of the PDF file.
For all values in the list under Color Management Policies, other than Leave Color Unchanged, select from the lists in the Working Space area to specify which ICC profiles are used for defining and calibrating the grayscale, RGB, and CMYK color spaces in distilled PDF files. These options are available:
Gray: Defines the color space of all grayscale images in files. This option is available only if you chose Tag Everything for Color Management or Tag Only Images for Color Management. The default ICC profile for gray images is Gray Gamma 2.2. You can also select None to prevent grayscale images from being converted.
RGB: Defines the color space of all RGB images in files. The default, sRGB IEC61966-2.1, is generally a good choice because it is becoming an industry standard and many output devices recognize it. You can also select None to prevent RGB images from being converted.
CMYK: Defines the color space of all CMYK images in files. The default is U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2. You can also select None to prevent CMYK images from being converted.
Note: Selecting None for all three of the working spaces has the same effect as selecting Leave Color Unchanged.
Preserve CMYK Values For Calibrated CMYK Color Spaces: When selected, device-independent CMYK values are treated as device-dependent (DeviceCMYK) values, device-independent color spaces are discarded, and PDF/X-1a files use the Convert All Colors To CMYK value. When deselected, device-independent color spaces convert to CMYK if the color management policy is set to Convert All Colors To CMYK.
These options apply if you work with documents that are created with high-end documentation and graphics applications, such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign. For more information, see the documentation that came with the application.
Transfer functions are used for artistic effect and to adjust for the specifications of a specific output device. For example, a file that is intended for output on a particular imagesetter may contain transfer functions that compensate for the dot gain that is inherent with that printer.
Preserve Under Color Removal And Black Generation: Retains these settings if they exist in the PostScript file. Black generation calculates the amount of black to be used when you are trying to reproduce a particular color. Undercolor removal (UCR) reduces the amount of cyan, magenta, and yellow components to compensate for the amount of black that the black generation added. Because it uses less ink, UCR is generally used for newsprint and uncoated stock.
When Transfer Functions Are Found: Determines what to do when transfer functions are found: Preserve: Retains the transfer functions that are traditionally used to compensate for dot gain or dot loss that may occur when an image is transferred to film. Dot gain occurs when the ink dots that make up a printed image are larger (for example, due to spreading on paper) than in the halftone screen; dot loss occurs when the dots print smaller. With this option, the transfer functions are kept as part of the file and are applied to the file when the file is output.
Apply: Does not keep the transfer function but applies it to the file, which changes the colors in the file. This option is useful for creating color effects in a file. By default, this option is selected for new settings.
Remove: Removes any applied transfer functions. Remove applied transfer functions unless the PDF file will be output to the same device that the source PostScript file was created for.
Preserve Halftone Information: Retains any halftone information in files. Halftone information consists of dots that control how much ink halftone devices deposit at a specific location on the paper. Varying the dot size and density creates the illusion of variations of gray or continuous color. For a CMYK image, four halftone screens are used, one for each ink that is used in the printing process.
In traditional print production, a halftone is produced by placing a halftone screen between a piece of film and the image, and then exposing the film. Electronic equivalents, such as in Adobe Photoshop, let users specify the halftone screen attributes before they produce the film or paper output. Halftone information is intended for use with a particular output device.
The Advanced options specify which Document Structuring Conventions (DSC) comments to keep in the PDF file and how to set other options that affect the conversion from PostScript. In a PostScript file, DSC comments contain information about the file (such as the originating application, creation date, and page orientation). They also provide structure for page descriptions in the file (such as beginning and ending statements for a prologue section). DSC comments can be useful when your document is going to print or press. For instructions about accessing the Advanced options, see Add or edit PDF settings .
When working with the Advanced options, it is helpful to have an understanding of the PostScript language and how it is translated to PDF. (See Adobe PostScript 3 .)
Allow PostScript XObjects: PostScript XObjects store information that appears on many pages of the same file, such as a background image or header and footer information. Using PostScript XObjects can result in faster printing but requires more printer memory. To prevent PostScript XObjects from being created, deselect this option if you create PDF files with Acrobat 5 (PDF 1.4) or later compatibility.
Convert Gradients to Smooth Shades: Converts blends to smooth shades for Acrobat 4 and later, making PDF files smaller and potentially improving the quality of final output. PDF Generator converts gradients from Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe FreeHand MX, CorelDraw, Quark Xpress, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Convert Smooth Lines to Curves: Reduces the amount of control points used to build curves in CAD drawings, which results in smaller PDFs and faster onscreen rendering.
Preserve Level 2 Copypage Semantics: Uses the copypage operator that is defined in LanguageLevel 2 PostScript instead of in LanguageLevel 3 PostScript. If you have a PostScript file and select this option, a copypage operator copies the page. If this option is not selected, the equivalent of a showpage operation is executed, but the graphics state is not reinitialized.
Preserve Overprint Settings: Retains any overprint settings in files being converted to PDF. Overprinted colors are two or more inks printed on top of each other. For example, when a cyan ink prints over a yellow ink, the resultant overprint is a green color. Without overprinting, the underlying yellow would not be printed, resulting in a cyan color.
Overprinting Default Is Nonzero Overprinting: Prevents overprinted objects with zero CMYK values from knocking out CMYK objects that are underneath them. This effect is accomplished by inserting the OPM 1 graphics state parameter into the PDF file wherever the Setoverprint operator is present.
Save Adobe PDF Settings Inside PDF File: Embeds the settings file that is used to create the PDF file. You can open and view the settings file (which has a .joboptions filename extension) in the File Attachments dialog box in Acrobat. The Adobe PDF settings file becomes an item in the EmbeddedFiles tree inside the PDF file.
Save Original JPEG Images In PDF If Possible: Processes any compressed JPEG images (images that are already compressed using DCT encoding) without recompressing them. If this option is selected, PDF Generator decompresses JPEG images to ensure that they are not corrupt. However, it does not recompress valid images, therefore processing the original image untouched. With this option is selected, performance improves because only decompression (not recompression) occurs, and image data and metadata are preserved.
Save Portable Job Ticket Inside PDF File: Preserves a PostScript job ticket in a PDF file. The job ticket contains information about the PostScript file, such as the page size, resolution, and trapping information, instead of information about content. This information can be used later in a workflow or for printing the PDF.
Use Prologue.ps and Epilogue.ps: Sends a prologue and epilogue file with each job. These files have many purposes. For example, prologue files can be edited to specify cover pages. Epilogue files can be edited to resolve a series of procedures in a PostScript file. You can upload or download the files. (See Uploading and downloading prologue and epilogue files .)
Process DSC Comments: Maintains DSC information from a PostScript file. These suboptions are available: Log DSC Warnings: Displays warning messages about problematic DSC comments during processing and adds them to a log file.
Preserve EPS Information From DSC: Retains information, such as the originating application and creation date for an EPS file. If this option is deselected, the page is sized and centered based on the upper-left corner of the upper-left object and lower-right corner of the lower-right object on the page.
Preserve OPI Comments: Retains information required to replace a For Placement Only (FPO) image or comment with the high-resolution image located on servers that support Open Prepress Interface (OPI) versions 1.3 and 2.0.
Preserve Document Information From DSC: Retains information such as the title, creation date, and time. When you open a PDF file in Acrobat, this information appears in the Document Properties Description panel.
Resize Page and Center Artwork For EPS Files: Centers an EPS image and resizes the page to fit closely around the image. This option applies only to jobs that consist of a single EPS file.
PDF Generator can check document contents in a PostScript file to ensure that they meet the standard PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-3, or PDF/A criteria before creating the PDF file. For PDF/X-compliant files, you can also require that the PostScript file meets additional criteria by selecting other options under “Standards reporting and compliance”. The availability of options depends on the standard you select.
PDF/X-compliant files are primarily used as a standardized format for the exchange of PDF files that are intended for high-resolution print production. Unless you are creating a PDF document for print production, you can ignore the PDF/X compliance standards.
PDF/A-compliant files are primarily used for archiving. Because long-term preservation is the goal, the document must contain only what is needed for opening and viewing throughout the intended life of the document. For example, PDF/A-compliant files can contain only text, raster images, and vector objects; they cannot contain encryption and scripts. In addition, all fonts must be embedded so that the documents can be opened and viewed as created. In other words, PDF/A-compliant documents are thinner than their PDF/X counterparts, which are intended for high-end production.
Note: If you set up a watched folder for creating PDF/A-compliant files, make sure that you do not add security to the folder; the PDF/A standard does not allow encryption.
For instructions about accessing the Standards reporting and compliance options, see Add or edit PDF settings .
When Not Compliant: Specifies whether to create the PDF file if the PostScript file does not comply with PDF/X requirements. This option is available when Compliance Standard on the Standards Reporting and Compliance page is set to an option other than None. Continue: Creates a PDF file.
Cancel Job: Creates a PDF file only if the PostScript file meets the PDF/X requirements of the selected report options and is otherwise valid. If both PDF/X report options are selected and the PostScript file meets only one set of the PDF/X criteria (for example, PDF/X-3), PDF Generator creates the compliant file.
If Neither TrimBox Nor ArtBox Are Specified: Available when Compliance Standard on the Standards Reporting and Compliance page is set to an option other than None. Report As Error: Flags the PostScript file as noncompliant if one of the reporting options is selected and a trim box or art box is missing from any page.
Set TrimBox To MediaBox With Offsets: Computes values in points for the trim box based on the offsets for the media box of respective pages if neither the trim box nor art box is specified. The trim box is always as small or smaller than the enclosing media box.
If BleedBox Is Not Specified: Available when Compliance Standard on the Standards Reporting and Compliance page is set to an option other than None. Set BleedBox To MediaBox: Uses the media box values for the bleed box if the bleed box is not specified.
Set BleedBox To TrimBox With Offsets: Computes values in points for the bleed box based on the offsets for the trim box of respective pages if the bleed box is not specified. The bleed box is always as large or larger than the enclosed trim box.
Default Values If Not Specified In The Document: This option is available when Compliance Standard on the Standards Reporting and Compliance page is set to an option other than None. Output Intent Profile Name: Indicates the characterized printing condition that the document is prepared for. If a document does not specify an OutputIntent name, PDF Generator uses the selected value from this menu. You can select one of the names that are supplied or enter a name in the space provided. If your workflow requires that the document specify the output intent, select None. Any document that does not meet the requirement fails compliance checking.
Output Condition Identifier: Indicates the reference name specified by the registry of the output intent profile name.
Output Condition: Describes the intended printing condition. This entry can be useful for the intended receiver of the PDF document.
Registry Name (URL): Indicates the web address for more information about the registry. The URL is automatically entered for ICC registry names.
Trapped: Indicates the state of trapping in the document. PDF/X compliance requires a value of True or False. If the document does not specify the trapped state, the value provided here is used. If your workflow requires that the document specifies the trapped state, select Leave Undefined. Any document that does not meet the requirement fails compliance checking.
These options are enabled when Compatibility (in the General area) is set to Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3) or Acrobat 5 (PDF 1.4).
When Not Compliant: Specifies whether to create the PDF file if the PostScript file does not comply with PDF/A requirements. Continue: Creates a PDF file even if the PostScript file does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Cancel Job: Creates a PDF file only if the PostScript file meets PDF/A requirements and is otherwise valid.
Output Intent Profile Name: Indicates the characterized printing condition for which the document has been prepared and is required for PDF/A compliance. If your workflow requires that the document specifies Output Intent information, select “None”. The document will fail compliance checking if this information is not provided.
Output Condition: Describes the intended printing condition. This entry is not required, but can be used to provide useful information to the intended receiver of the PDF document.
These options are organized into three areas: Document Options, Window Options, and User Interface Options. For instructions about accessing the Initial view options, see Add or edit PDF settings .
To use any options, select Set Initial View Settings.
The document options control the appearance of the document within the document window, such as the magnification level and how it scrolls.
Show: Determines which panes and tabs are displayed in the application window by default. Bookmarks Panel and Page opens the document pane and displays the Bookmarks tab.
Page Layout: Determines whether the document is viewed in single-page, facing-page, continuous page, or continuous facing-page mode.
Magnification: Sets the zoom level used to display the document when opened. The default uses the user-configured magnification value in the Acrobat or Adobe Reader preferences.
Open To Page Number: Sets the page that the document opens at, which is usually page 1.
Note: Setting Default for the magnification and page layout options uses the individual user settings in the Page Display preferences within Acrobat or Adobe Reader.
The window options determine how the window adjusts in the screen area when a user opens the document. However, the options have no effect when a PDF document is viewed inside a web browser.
Resize Window To Initial Page: Adjusts the document window to fit snugly around the opening page, according to the options that you selected under Document Options.
Center Window On Screen: Positions the window in the center of the screen area.
Open In Full Screen Mode: Maximizes the document window and displays the document without the menu bar, toolbar, or window controls.
Show: Filename shows the filename in the title bar of the window. Document title shows the document title in the title bar of the window.
The user interface options determine which controls are displayed or hidden when the user opens the document.
Hide Menu Bar: If selected, hides the menu bar
Hide Toolbars: If selected, hides the toolbars
Hide Window Controls: If selected, hides the window controls
Note: If you hide the menu bar and toolbar, users cannot apply commands and select tools unless they know the keyboard shortcuts when they open the file in Acrobat.
Prologue files are used to add custom PostScript code that execute at the beginning of every PostScript job being distilled. Epilogue files are used to add custom PostScript code that execute at the end of every PostScript job. You can download prologue and epilogue files from the server to save them locally. You may want to download the files to configure them independently or to upload them to another location or to another computer.
These files have many purposes. For example, prologue files can be edited to specify cover pages; epilogue files can be edited to resolve a series of procedures in a PostScript file. You can also select and upload the prologue and epilogue files to send with each job.
Note: PDF Generator supports prologue and epilogue files only for conversion of PostScript and Encapsulated PostScript files to PDF.
You can limit access to PDF documents by setting passwords and by restricting certain features, such as printing and editing. When a PDF document has restricted features, tools and menu items that are related to those features are dimmed. You can also use other methods to create secure documents, such as encrypting or certifying a document. A security setting contains the password and specific options to use for certain PDF conversions.
On the Security Settings page, you can do the following tasks:
A security setting controls the security and permissions for files that are converted with that security setting.
These settings configure the compatibility and encryption. For instructions about accessing the fonts settings, see Create or edit a security setting .
Compatibility: Sets the type of encryption for opening a password-protected document. The Acrobat 3.0 And Later option uses a low encryption level, but the other options use a high encryption level: Acrobat 3.0 And Later: Uses low encryption (40-bit RC4).
Acrobat 5.0 And Later: Uses high encryption (128-bit RC4).
Acrobat 6.0 And Later: Uses high encryption (128-bit RC4). This option lets you enable metadata for searching.
Acrobat 7.0 And Later: Uses high encryption (128-bit AES). This option lets you enable metadata for searching and encrypt only file attachments.
Acrobat 9.0 And Later: Uses high encryption (256-bit AES). This option lets you enable metadata for searching and encrypt only file attachments.
An earlier version of Acrobat cannot open a PDF document that has a higher compatibility setting. For example, if you select the Acrobat 7.0 And Later option, you cannot open the document in Acrobat 6.0 or earlier.
Ensure that the compatibility level is consistent with the PDF compatibility level for the same source. For example, if you have a watched folder configured to use the Standard PDF setting, which is compatible with Acrobat 5.0 or later, your security compatibility level must not be higher than Acrobat 5.0.
Document Restriction: The document restrictions that are available depend on the Compatibility option you selected. No Encryption: Does not encrypt any part of the document.
Encrypt All Document Contents: Encrypts the document and the document metadata. When this option is selected, search engines cannot access the document metadata.
Encrypt All Document Contents Except Metadata (Acrobat 6 And Later Compatible): Encrypts the contents of a document but still allows search engines to access the document metadata. This option is available only when the Compatibility option is set to Acrobat 6.0 or later, Acrobat 7.0 or later, or Acrobat 9.0 or later.
Encrypt Only File Attachments (Acrobat 7 And Later Compatible): Users can open the document without a password but must enter a password to open file attachments. This option is available only when the Compatibility option is set to Acrobat 7.0 or later or to Acrobat 9.0 or later.
These settings configure the password security:
Note: If you forget a password, it cannot be recovered from the document. It is recommended that you store passwords in another secure location in case you forget them. Also, keep a backup copy of the document that is not password-protected.
Require A Password To Open The Document: Enables the password options.
Document Open Password: Prevents users from opening the document unless they type the password you specify. Passwords are case sensitive. Acrobat uses the RC4 method of security from RSA Security Inc. to password-protect PDF documents. If you are restricting printing and editing, it is recommended that you add a document open password to enhance security.
Retype Document Open Password: Ensures that the document open password is correct.
Require A Password To Open File Attachments: Enables the password options. This option is available only when the Compatibility option is set to Acrobat 7.0 or later or to Acrobat 9.0 or later, and the Document restriction option is set to Encrypt Only File Attachments.
File Attachment Open Password: Ensures that a password is required to open a file attachment. Users can open the document without a password. This option is available only when the Compatibility option is set to Acrobat 7.0 or later or to Acrobat 9.0 or later, and the Document restriction option is set to Encrypt Only File Attachments.
Retype File Attachment: Ensures that the password is correct. This option is available only when the Compatibility option is set to Acrobat 7.0 or later or to Acrobat 9.0 or later, and the Document restriction option is set to Encrypt Only File Attachments.
These options configure the permissions:
Use A Password To Restrict Printing And Editing Of The Document And Its Security Settings: Enables restrictions on permissions.
Permissions Password: Restricts users from printing and editing. Users cannot change these security settings unless they type the password you specify. You cannot use the same password that is used for Document Open Password. When you set a permissions password, only those people who type that password can change security settings. If the PDF document has both types of passwords, either password will open it. However, a user can only set or change the restricted features with the permissions password. If the PDF document has only the permission password or if a user opens the document by using the document open password, the password prompt appears when the user tries to change security settings.
Retype Permissions Password: Ensures that the permissions password is correct.
Printing Allowed: Specifies the quality of printing for the PDF document: None: Prevents users from printing the document.
Low Resolution (150 dpi): Lets users print the document at no higher than 150-dpi resolution. Printing may be slower because each page is printed as a bitmap image. This option is available only if a high encryption level (Acrobat 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, or 9.0) is selected.
High Resolution: Lets users print at any resolution, directing high-quality vector output to PostScript and other printers that support advanced high-quality printing features.
Changes Allowed: Defines which editing actions are allowed in the PDF document: None: Prevents users from changing the document, including filling signature and form fields.
Inserting, Deleting, And Rotating Pages: Lets users insert, delete, and rotate pages, as well as create bookmarks and thumbnail pages. This option is available only if a high encryption level (Acrobat 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, or 9.0) is selected.
Filling In Form Fields And Signing Existing Signature Fields: Lets users fill forms and add digital signatures. However, users cannot add comments or create form fields. This option is available only if a high encryption level (Acrobat 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, or 9.0) is selected.
Commenting, Filling In Form Fields, And Signing Existing Signature Fields: Lets users fill forms and add digital signatures and comments.
Page Layout, Touch-up, Filling In Form Fields And Signing Existing Signature Fields: Lets users insert, rotate, or delete pages and create bookmarks or thumbnail images, fill out forms, and add digital signatures. This option does not allow users to create form fields. This option is available only if a low encryption level (Acrobat 3.0) is selected.
Any Except Extracting Pages: Lets users change the document by using any method in the Changes Allowed list, except remove pages.
Enable Copying Of Text, Images, And Other Content: Lets users select and copy the contents of the PDF document. It also lets utilities that need access to the contents of a PDF file, such as Acrobat Catalog, access those contents. This option is available only if a high encryption level is selected.
Enable Text Access Of Screen Reader Devices For The Visually Impaired: Lets users with vision impairment read the document by using screen readers. However, users cannot copy or extract the document contents. This option is available only if a high encryption level is selected.
You can delete a security setting if it is no longer required. However, preconfigured security settings cannot be deleted.
In PDF Generator, you can set up the application settings for supported file types. On Windows, you can set up the application settings for each supported file type. On UNIX and Linux, you can set up the application settings for HTML-to-PDF and OpenOffice.
On the File Type Settings page, you can perform these tasks:
Note: The file type settings are not available for the fallback convertors such as Acrobat for HTML to PDF conversion, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
Create or edit a file type setting to specify how the application handles the conversion of supported file types. On Windows, you can set up the application settings for each supported file type. On UNIX and Linux, you can set up the application settings for HTML-to-PDF and OpenOffice.
Primary OCR Language: The language for the OCR engine to use to identify the characters. The default is English (US).
PDF Output Style: Select Searchable Image to have a bitmap image of the pages in the foreground and the scanned text on an invisible layer beneath. The appearance of the page does not change, but the text becomes selectable and readable. Select Formatted Text & Graphics to reconstruct the original page by using recognized text, fonts, pictures, and other graphic elements. The default is Searchable Image (Exact).
Downsample Images: Decreases the number of pixels in color, grayscale, and monochrome images. Downsampling of scanned images is performed after OCR is complete. The default is Lowest (600 dpi). This option is not available if you set PDF output style to Searchable Image (Exact).
Support for various file types can be customized. (See "Adding Support for Additional Native File Formats" in Programming with AEM forms .)
The following options determine how image files are converted to PDF. For instructions about accessing these settings, see Create or edit file type settings .
Filename Extensions: Comma-separated list of filename extensions that can be converted.
Try Fallback Converter: PDF Generator can use either Java™ or Acrobat to convert image files to PDF. When this option is selected and a conversion fails or reaches the specified time-out limit, PDF Generator attempts the conversion by using the alternate method. If alternate method fails or reaches the specified time-out limit, an exception is written to the log file.
Note: JPEG 2000 files can only be converted using Acrobat.Use OCR: Specifies whether to apply OCR (optical character recognition) to the PDF. OCR software enables you to search, correct, and copy the text in the PDF.
Note: The OCR PDF (searchable PDF) feature is supported only on Microsoft Windows.Primary OCR Language: Specifies the language for the OCR engine to use to identify the characters.
PDF Output Style: Determines the type of PDF to produce. All formats apply OCR and font and page recognition to the text images and convert them to normal text. Searchable Image: Ensures that text is searchable and selectable. This option keeps the original image, deskews it as needed, and places an invisible text layer over it. The Downsample Images option determines whether the image is downsampled and to what extent.
Searchable Image (Exact): Ensures that text is searchable and selectable. This option keeps the original image and places an invisible text layer over it. Recommended for cases that require maximum fidelity to the original image.
ClearScan: Synthesizes a new Type 3 font that closely approximates the original, and preserves the page background by using a low-resolution copy.
Downsample Images: Decreases the number of pixels in color, grayscale, and monochrome images after OCR is complete. Choose the degree of downsampling to apply. Higher-numbered options do less downsampling, which produces higher-resolution PDFs.
The Export File Type setting in the Adobe PDF export settings section is used for converting a PDF file to another format. The default is HTML 4.01 with cascading style sheets (CSS) 1.0(*.htm, *.html).
For instructions about accessing this setting, see Create or edit file type settings .
The following options determine how HTML files are converted to PDF. For instructions about accessing these options, see Create or edit file type settings .
Try Fallback Converter: PDF Generator can use either Java™ or Acrobat to convert HTML files to PDF. When this option is selected and a conversion fails or reaches the specified time-out limit, PDF Generator attempts the conversion by using the alternate method. If alternate method fails or reaches the specified time-out limit, an exception is written to the log file.
Default Encoding: Sets the input encoding of the file text from a menu of operating systems and alphabets. Uses the selection shown in the Default Encoding option only if the HTML source file does not specify a type of encoding.
Force Selected Encoding: Ignores any encoding that is specified in the HTML source file and uses the selection shown in the Default Encoding option.
Spidering scans web pages for links to other web pages. When a link to another web page is encountered, the destination page is fetched and included in the PDF document that is generated. Enable these options to set the number of levels to be fetched and converted to PDF:
Get Only X Levels: Spiders and converts pages up to a depth of the specified level from the base page URL. A value of 1 converts only the supplied URL.
Get Entire Site: Converts the entire site, starting from the provided URL.
Stay On Same Path: Any links that point to pages that are not on the same relative path as the base URL are not converted during spidering.
Stay On Same Server: Any links that point to pages on different servers are not converted during spidering. Only links that point to the same server as the specified URL are converted.
Enable these options to specify how the HTML pages are converted. Based on the page size, the width, height, and margin values adjust accordingly.
Page Size: Choose custom and specify the width and height, or select predefined dimensions.
Orientation: Select either portrait or landscape for the converted PDF document.
Margins: Specifies the margins (Top, Bottom, Left, and Right) in the generated PDF document.
Add Bookmarks To PDF: Adds bookmarks to the PDF document.
Enable Tagged PDF: Embeds tags in the PDF document.
Set Initial View Settings: Lets you configure Document Options, Window Options, and User Interface Options. These settings determine how the content is initially displayed.
Enable these options to specify how to display content, how to display pages in the PDF document, and how to specify the magnification level:
Show: Select the panes to be open in Acrobat when the PDF document is opened.
Page Layout: Select the type of page layout for the PDF document.
Magnification: Choose preset magnification for the initial view of the PDF document or select a custom value. Choosing a default setting indicates that the default Acrobat magnification will be used.
Open To Page Number: Specify the page number that the PDF opens to.
Enable these options to specify how the window is sized and displayed.
Resize Window To Initial Page: Resizes the Acrobat window to the size of the initial page.
Center Window On Screen: Opens the window in the center of the screen.
Open In Full Screen Mode: Opens the window in full screen mode.
Show: Displays the document title or filename in the window.
Enable these options to specify the window appearance:
Hide Menu Bar: Hides the menu bar in the PDF document.
Hide Toolbars: Hides the toolbars in the PDF document.
Hide Window Controls: Hides the window controls in the PDF document.
PDF Generator supports the ability to submit a video for Adobe Flash (SWF or FLV file) and create a PDF file with a video for Adobe Flash embedded in it. This conversion does not require Adobe Flash Player to be installed on the forms server. For instructions about accessing this option, see Create or edit file type settings .
Filename Extensions: Comma-separated list of filename extensions that can be converted.
XML Paper Specification (XPS) is used in Windows Printing machine. This is a Microsoft format and can be created from any Microsoft Office application. AEM forms provides the ability to convert XPS files PDF.
Filename Extensions: A comma-separated list of all the XPS filename extensions that can be converted. Currently there is one format: .xps .
PDF Generator supports the ability to reduce the size of PDF files. Whether you use all these settings or only a few depends on how you intend to use the files and on the essential properties that a file must have. In most cases, the default settings are appropriate for maximum efficiency - saving space by removing embedded fonts, compressing images, and removing items from the files that are no longer needed.
Note: Optimizing a digitally signed document removes and invalidates the digital signatures.For instructions about accessing this setting, see Create or edit file type settings .
Target PDF Version: Specifies the version of Acrobat that the PDF is compatible with.
If you want to unembed some fonts whose subsets are embedded in the document, prefix the font name with the + sign. For example, “+Helvetica”.
Note: If you’re using this option in combination with Unembed some fonts , fonts in the A dd fonts to unembed list are still completely unembedded.
Font subsetting is the technique of embedding only a portion of a font. A font subset contains only the characters used in your document.
If your PDF document includes artwork that contains transparency, you can use the PDF Optimizer settings to flatten transparency and reduce file size.
If Acrobat 4.0 and later is selected as the Target PDF version, all transparent objects are flattened. For other Target PDF versions, transparency is supported and you can configure the transparency settings.
Select Transparency to configure the transparency settings while optimizing PDF documents. Transparency level Specifies the amount of vector information that will be preserved. Higher settings preserve more vector objects, while lower settings rasterize more vector objects; intermediate settings preserve simple areas in vector form and rasterize complex ones. Select the lowest setting to rasterize all the artwork.
Note: The amount of rasterization that occurs depends on the complexity of the page and the types of overlapping objects.
Line Art and Text Resolution to which all objects, including images, vector artwork, text, and gradients, are rasterized. The supported values are 1 pixels per inch (ppi) to 9600 ppi.
Line Art and Text resolution should generally be set to 600-1200 ppi to provide high-quality rasterization, especially on serif or small point sized type.
Gradient and Meshes Resolution to which gradient and meshes are rasterized. The supported values are 1 ppi to 1200 ppi.
Gradient and mesh resolution should generally be set to 150-300 ppi, because the quality of the gradients, drop shadows, and feathers do not improve with higher resolutions, but printing time and file size increase.
Convert All Text to Outlines Converts all type objects (point type, area type, and path type) to outlines and discards all type glyph information on pages containing transparency. This option ensures that the width of text stays consistent during flattening. Note that enabling this option will cause small fonts to appear slightly thicker when viewed in Acrobat or printed on low-resolution desktop printers. It doesn’t affect the quality of the type printed on high-resolution printers or imagesetters.
Convert All Strokes to Outlines Converts all strokes to simple filled paths on pages containing transparency. This option ensures that the width of strokes stays consistent during flattening. Note that enabling this option causes thin strokes to appear slightly thicker and may degrade flattening performance.
Clip Complex Regions Ensures that the boundaries between vector artwork and rasterized artwork fall along object paths. This option reduces stitching artifacts that result when part of an object is rasterized while another part of the object remains in vector form. However, selecting this option may result in paths that are too complex for the printer to handle.
Note: Some print drivers process raster and vector art differently, sometimes resulting in color stitching. You may be able to minimize stitching problems by disabling some print-driver specific color-management settings. These settings vary with each printer, so see the documentation that came with your printer for details.
Preserve Overprint Blends the color of transparent artwork with the background color to create an overprint effect.
Select Images to specify compression and resampling options for color, grayscale, and monochrome images.
You may want to experiment with these options to find an appropriate balance between file size and image quality.
The resolution setting for color and grayscale images should be 1.5 to 2 times the line screen ruling at which the file will be printed. The resolution for monochrome images should be the same as the output device, but be aware that saving a monochrome image at a resolution higher than 1500 dpi increases the file size without noticeably improving image quality. Images that will be magnified, such as maps, may require higher resolutions.
Note: Resampling monochrome images can have unexpected viewing results, such as no image display. If this happens, turn off resampling and convert the file again. This problem is most likely to occur with subsampling, and least likely with bicubic downsampling.
The following table shows common types of printers and their resolution measured in dpi, their default screen ruling measured in lines per inch (lpi), and a resampling resolution for images measured in pixels per inch (ppi). For example, if you were printing to a 600-dpi laser printer, you would enter 170 for the resolution at which to resample images.
Default line screen
300 dpi (laser printer)
