Expert: Nick Putthoff - 2/28/2010

Question
Hi, I am using CS4 Illustrator and have my pages for a 3 page document on individual layers. I need to be able to save these layer as individual pages in a PDF Doc. I also need the PDF to be able to be no more than 500KB as they need to be sent Via email and downloaded from the web. I need to be able to still retain as high a quality graphic as I can. The actual AI file is 9 MB and Im using a Mac although I also have access to a PC if process is easier. I'm used to working in Photoshop so no expert in Illustrator sorry as much detail instruction would be fantastic thank in advance

Answer
Mel,
I would try Save As and choose PDF Format and select one of the several presets to adjust preview quality and file size. The installed presets may include [Highest Quality Print],[Press Quality] and [Smallest File Size]. Try each preset and see which gives you the best balance between image quality and file size. Try adjusting some of the settings and saving your own presets until you are satisfied with the results. Different types of content in PDF files will compress differently so what works well for one PDF may not work so well on another.

Good Luck

Nick