Expert: Amy - 10/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: hi there, i got an artwork in ai, and i convert it in smallest file sizes pdf, after that i use again my smallest file sizes pdf open in ai, the font scale is different?

i just make an example, i got a text in illustrator font size is "35pt" and the horizontal scale is 50%, after i converted it in pdf smallest file sizes, and i open it again in ai, the text become "17.5pt" and the vertical scale is 200%, could you please advise me how to keep the font size in "35pt" and the scale is 50% when i open a converted pdf in ai?

hope u understand what i saying, thanks :)


ANSWER: Hi Kurt,

"Smallest File Size" is a setting that doesn't embed all fonts. I think that might be the problem.

If you want to be able to open the file and work with it in Illustrator again, you need to choose a setting that preserves more of the file structure. Choose "High Quality Print" and make sure you keep the "preserve Illustrator editing capabilities" option checked.

Try that and let me know?

-Amy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: really thanks for your answer, you are the best, it work :D

but i got another question, when i converted my file in "smallest file size" pdf (because i need to send via mail the file to my other staff, i cant use the "high quality print format") i need to have the embed photo in the artwork also. in this case when i selected the "preserve Illustrator editing capabilities" option, but in other side the photo doesn't embed in the artwork, could u help me again to settle this out?

really need your answer, thanks amy

Answer
I would still use High Quality, uncheck the Illustrator Editing Capabilities option, but then go into the "Compression menu" and set the Bicubic Interpolation and compression for images to something lower (Medium/High) until you get a file size that is right for your emailing. Keep in mind that this will permanently affect the quality of the images within the document.

There is no PDF option that omits photos, I don't know why that would be happening. Are they linked images or embedded?

Now if the file needs to be opened and edited by the recipients, you really have to use the Preserve Illustrator Editing capabilities option. It will add a lot to your file size but there is no other choice. If you do not select this option when saving, there is the chance that more complicated files will be a mess when someone tries to re-open them in AI.

If you want to send me a sample, please save down to CS3 and email to AmyLynPace@yahoo.com. I can let you know how small the file can get and still retain its quality.
-A