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Adobe InDesign/blocks or squares appear in exported PDFs

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Expert: Ken Black - 7/27/2010


Question

blocks in PDF
With InDesign CS4, When I export to a PDF file, some text appears as blocks or squares.  Also, faint lines can appear around image areas.
WHy does this happen?  What do I need to do to get rid of the blocks and "ghost" lines?  What I've had to do, is re-do the ad in my old CS2 version.  Don't have that problem with CS2.
I've attached a screenshot (png) of the problem.
Thanks!
Tom Burke

Answer
Hi Tom,

The blocks or squares in place of text are due to a font not embedding properly, or the font is corrupt. Try re-installing the font. Are you using a font manager? I highly recommend using one such as Suitcase or Linotype FontExplorer, I personally recommend the latter as I have the least amount of trouble with it over other font management software.

The other "ghost" lines, are from transparency flattening. Transparency can be any applied effects or actual transparent objects in your document. When Indesign flattens these objects it creates a trap line where the transparent object's edge meets other objects. To avoid these lines, create a pdf setting that uses a standard of none and pdf compatibility of Acrobat 5 or higher. This will turn off the transparency flattening. Alternatively, you can download a basic pdf setting here:

http://www.bestprintingonline.com/help_resources/file/Commercial_Printing.jobopt...

You can also find other information regarding creating pdf files for print here:

http://www.bestprintingonline.com/submitting-pdf.htm

And other general printing help and information here:

http://www.bestprintingonline.com/printing-help.htm


Thanks,

Ken Black

http://www.bestprintingonline.com

Ken Black

Expertise

With over 20 years experience in graphic arts as well as working as a preflight and prepress technician for Best Printing Online, I can answer any questions relating to graphic design and printing. This includes but is not limited to Adobe Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Quark Xpress and just about any other graphics related software.

Experience

Currently employed by Best Printing Online, I have been working as a graphic designer and printing professional for over 20 years. My experiences range from original design work including layout, illustration and photography to prepress production and troubleshooting. I have done consulting and training for some of the smallest print shops to the largest design agencies and printers in the industry.

Education/Credentials
Occupational Certificate in Darkroom and Printing Technologies from back when light tables and contacting frames were cool. Attended McHenry County College, Columbia College Chicago and Northern Illinois University and strive to attain new knowledge in this field wherever it may be hiding.

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