Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 12/24/2008

Question
Hello, I am just learning how to use illustrator and I don't know how to save it as a pdf.  I created a trifold using one of the templates offered; however, when I try to save as a pdf all I get is a blank page.  I also only get a blank page when I print.  What am I doing wrong?

Answer
Hi Alex,

To save as a pdf, you should be using the File>save as command and then choose PDF as the file format. Once in the PDF Dialogue box, use the presets at the top to choose the appropriate settings (the only option on the side you should change is if you need to add trim marks or bleeds). For printing at home you can use the "High Quality" setting, but for printing at a commercial printer use at least the "Press Quality" setting (some printers request PDF X-1, but ask first).

As for blank pages, if you are designing on the template layers supplied, those may be set up as Non-Printing layers. To check, go to the layers panel on the right and double click the layer. There is a "template" and "print" check box. Uncheck the template box and make sure the "print" box is checked.

Thats about it!

Happy Hoidays


Kevin