Expert: Glen Demers - 12/7/2010

Question
QUESTION: Using CS4 InDesign a nd Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro, I have been creating files in InDesign, then going to Adobe Acrobat and using Combine, Merge Files, to combine several files into one .pdf document.  Suddenly, when I try to do that, a "Warnings/Errors" column appears, and every file has this statement next to it:  "Merged document will no longer comply with with ISO 15930 (PDF/X)."  I have not changed any setting that I know of in either program.  Do you have any idea what is wrong?  Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Monell,

The ISO 15930 standard covers all of the PDF/X formats and it could be any number of things generating the error. Make sure your documents are all created using the same PDF joboptions setting and look over merged PDF files after the error.

Files don't comply with ISO standards for minor things, such as not having art or trim boxes, which in no way hamper using the pdf files. I would not worry about it unless you have a vendor specifically asking for a type of PDF/X file.

Hope this helps,
Glen Demers
Prepress Technician, Best Printing Online
www.bestprintingonline.com

For more InDesign tips please visit our help pages here: http://www.bestprintingonline.com/indesign.htm

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

QUESTION: The very same documents that were not creating the error last week now are.  I do have a vendor that requires specific pdf/x files.  Do you think they will print properly even with the warning?

Answer
Hi Monelle,

We get PDF/X 1-a files for printing and errors can be generated from the title of the pdf being missing or the pdf version is newer than 1.3.

I would make sure all parts are created using the same PDF/X joboptions and ask your vendor to preflight the pdf's to alert you to any errors which may hinder printing. There are many warnings which your printer may choose to ignore because of their nature.

You could also try running preflight from the advanced menu in Acrobat to determine the exact nature of the error.

Hope this helps,
Glen Demers
Prepress Technician, Best Printing Online
www.bestprintingonline.com

For more InDesign tips please visit our help pages here: http://www.bestprintingonline.com/indesign.htm