1

Guide for creating Ads inPDF/x-1a file format for

submission to Ubm

Table of Contents

PDF/x-1a and SwoP proofs at a glance....................2

what is a PDF/x-1a?...................................................2

what are the advantages of PDF/x-1a?....................2

Proofing Options..........................................................2

Adobe InDesign CS6/CC PDF/x-1a creation.............4

Adobe Illustrator CS6/CC PDF/x-1a creation............6

Adobe Photoshop CS6/CC PDF/x-1a creation ........ 8

2

PDF/X-1a & SWOP Proofs at a GlanceUbm only accepts ad files that meet PDF/x-1a specifications

What is a PDF/x-1a?Essentially, a PDF/x-1a is a press ready, print - predictable file. It is a focused subset of a PDF, that is built for reliable creative-prepress exchange.

This document will briefly illustrate the advantages of the PDF/x-1a format and will give step-by-step instructions on how to produce a PDF/x-1a in the latest print publishing applications.

ubm PDF Compliancy Requirements• All fonts must be embedded

(subset yes or no is oK)• All images and colors are correct color mode:

• CMYK or greyscal; never RGB or LAB color modes • All spot colors must be converted to CMYK unless running an additional PMS color

• OPI must never be included in the file• Maximum Total Ink Density 320%• Resolution must be 300ppi for 4 - color or

greyscale images• Resolution must be 1200ppi or higher for

bitmap images• The only acceptable ICC profile is “U.S. Web

Coated (Swop) v2”, or none should be applied

• Overprinting should always be turned off, unless the design element requires this attribute

• 1/8 inch Bleed is provided on non floating ads

• Crop/Reg marks are offset minimum of 9pts or 1/8 inch

• PDF must be supplied at correct trim size. Please see https://ads.UBM.com or media kit for correct Ad sizes on full page and fractional specific to each UBM publication.

What are the advantages of PDF/x-1a?The answers are simple...reliability and predictability. The sole purpose of this format is to provide a file built to a universally accepted standard which results in a predictable outcome within the printing environment. This means that you, the Advertiser, can have the confidence that the materials submitted for print will reproduce in the manner that was originally intended. PDF/x-1a reduces many potential problems which can be encountered between the time the ad is created and its eventual conversion to a printed page. It virtually eliminates such issues as type reflow and color shifts that are common to electronic files which are submitted in native formats, (i.e. InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)

By adopting a PDF/X-1a workflow, not only can you be confident in the quality, it will save you time and money in the end. Everytime your pdf needs to be sent back for correction because it is not properly prepared, it will cost your design staff additional time, which of course equates to additional money.

Note: Each ad supplied to the Publisher by the advertiser in any format other than PDF/x-1a could be subject to an additional processing fee.

How can I get an accurate color representation of how my ad will print on press? It is important to point out that just because you see a specific color on your monitor, or what you see on a non-SWOP color proofing device, that the color will very likely print differently when printed to SWOP ink densities on press. This is due to the limitless combinations of hardware and software calibrations on workstations, displays, desktop laser and inkjet printers, and in the pre-press and printing process.

https://ads.ubm.com

3 https://ads.ubm.com

Note: Publisher shall have no obligation or liability to advertiser of any kind (including, without limitation, the obligation to offer advertiser make- goods or any other form of compensation) for any ad supplied to Publisher by advertiser without a SWOP proof.

What resources are available if I’m unable to produce a PDF/x-1a and a SWOP proof internally?

Contact your UBM production manager or pre-press tech for assistance.https://ads.UBM.com/contact.html

Where do I find the correct size dimensions for the Ad that I will be supplying?

Go to our Ad Portal Website at:https://ads.UBM.com

How do I upload my electronic file to UBM:

Go to our Ad Portal Website at:https://ads.UBM.com

It’s a very quick and easy method for file delivery.

General tips on creating Ads:

Ü Layers help in handling tranparency effectively. Keep the image at the bottom most layer. Keep the text /art on top most layer. If any text/art having transparency, create a new layer and keep them just above the bottom layer.

Ü Always use CMYK images. other color modes are not intended for print requirement and produce weird colors.

Ü Source with high resolution. Images with poor/low resolution manually improvised will not give good result.

Ü If there is a need to create multiple transparency effect (overlaying objects and applying opacity/ transparency) flatten them and use as image. This will greatly reduce the file handling (complex path, heavy/multiple transparency object often choke the preflighting process).

Ü Create Ads per specifications for the required publication. Enlarging/Reducing ads to different sizes doesn’t give expected results.

Ü Keep the live elements in the Ad in with safety area of 0.25” from trim size. Always provide 0.125” bleed.

4

Note: Before following the steps below, fi rst be sure that all fonts are loaded, supporting images are CMYK, at least 300 dpi (bitmap images need to be 1200 dpi), and all colors in the color palette are converted to process.

Ü With the InDesign document open:Select File>Export... At the Export window.

Ü Navigate to the location you wish to save the PDFand enter a fi lename in the Save As: box.

Ü At the Format: drop menu make sure that Adobe PDF is selected.

Ü Click the Save button.

At the Export PDF window:

Ü Using the Preset: Drop menu Select [PDF/x-1a] from the list.(Any settings changes made will change the Preset: to [Custom].once additional settings are complete you can click the Save Preset...button, which will allow you to save a new profi le which can be re-used whenever you create a new PDF, eliminating the need to go through the confi guration process again.)Set Pages to refl ect the actual pages intended to be exported to PDF.

Ü Check the Embed Page Thumbnails box.Ü Check the View PDF after Exporting box

(optionalÜ Uncheck the Optimize for Fast Web View

box.Ü All other boxes should remain unchecked.Ü Click Output on the left menu.

On the Compression menu:

Ü Click Marks and Bleed on the left menu.

(No adjustments to Compression settings should be necessary)

https://ads.ubm.com

PDF/x-1a creation in InDesign CS6/CC (Mac or PC)

5

Ü Drop the Destination Profi le: menu and select uS web Coated (SwoP) v2 from the menu.(This should also change the setting under the Output Intent Profi le:)

Ü Change the Subset fonts when percent of characters used is less than: box to 100%.

Ü Make sure under the Transparency Flattener section, set Preset: to [High Resolution].

Ü All check boxes should remain unchecked .

Ü at this time you may click Save Preset... and create a profi le for future use, as mentioned previously.

Ü Once settings are completed click the Export button to create the PDF fi le.

Ü Check the Crop Marks box

Ü Check the Bleed Marks box

Ü Change the Offset: to 0. 125 inch

Ü If your document bleeds, check the Use Document Bleed Settings box ( the required bleed is 0.125 inch)

Ü All other boxes should remain unchecked.

Ü Click Output on the left menu.

Ü Drop the Destination Profi le: menu and select uS web Coated (SwoP) v2 from the menu.(This should also change the setting under the Output Intent Profi le:)

Ü Click the ‘Ink Manager’ and check the ‘All Spots to Process’ and Click OK.

Ü Click Advanced on the left menu.

https://ads.ubm.com

6

6

Note: Before following the steps below, fi rst be sure that all fonts are loaded, supporting images are CMYK, at least 300 dpi (bitmap images need to be 1200 dpi), and all colors in the color palette are converted to process.

Ü With the Illustrator CS document open: Select File>Save As...

Ü Name the fi le and select a location to save to.

Ü Use the Format: drop menu to select Adobe PDF (pdf).

Ü Click the Save button.

At the Adobe PDF Options window:

Using the Preset: drop menu Select [Press] from the list.(From this point any settings changes made will change the Preset: to Custom. Once additional settings are completed you can click the Save Preset...button, which will allow you to save a profi le which can be re-used whenever you create a new PDF.)

Ü Check the Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities box (recommended).

Ü Check the Embed Page Thumbnails box.

Ü Check the Optimze for fast Web View.

Ü Check the View PDF after Saving (optional).

Ü Uncheck all remaining boxes.

Ü Click on Compression in the left menu list

On the Compression menu:

Ü Click Marks and Bleed on the left menu.

(No adjustments to Compression settings should be necessary)

PDF/x-1a creation in Illustrator CS6/CC (Mac or PC)

https://ads.ubm.com

7

Ü Check the Trim Marks box.(Checking the Page Information, Registration Marks, Color Bars boxes is optional)

Ü Change the Offset: to 0.125 inch.

Ü If your document bleeds, enter 0.125 inch the Top: box and click the link icon in the center of the input boxes to apply a universal bleed amount.

Ü All other boxes should remain unchecked.

Ü Click Output on the left menu.

Ü On the Output Menu,Keep the Color Conversion as ‘Convert to Destination’ Preserve Numbers

Ü Destination: U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2(This should also change the setting under the Output Intent Profi le Name: U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2)

Ü All other boxes should remain unchecked.

Ü Click Advanced on the left menu.

Ü On the Advanced Menu,Subset fonts when percent of characters used is less than: 100%.

Ü All other boxes should remain unchecked.

Ü Click Security on the left menu and ensure all the buttons are unchecked.

Ü Click ‘Save PDF’ and review your Ad.

https://ads.ubm.com

8

PDF/x-1a creation in Photoshop CS6/CC (Mac or PC)

With the Photoshop CS6 document open: Check the document and verify that your image is utilizing a CMYK - 8 bit color space. If it is not, select Image>Mode and convert the color to CMYK. (Be cautious as converting from RGB to CMYK modes can sometimes cause dramatic color shifts in your images,It is necessary that your start your ad in CMYK mode)

Ü Select File>Save As from the menu bar.

Ü In the Save As: input box, name the fi le and select a location to save to.

Ü Use the Format: drop menu to select Photoshop PDF. (Depending upon how your Photoshop document was constructed, there may be one or more boxes in the Save: and Color: sections which may be checked.)

Ü Uncheck the following boxes ªAs a CopyªAlpha ChannelsªLayersªNotesªSpot Colors ªuse Proof SetupªEmbed Color Profi le

Ü Click the Save button.

Ü After clicking Save, the PDF Options window will appear.

Ü Using the Preset: drop menu Select [PDF/x-1a] from the list.(Any settings changes made will change the Preset: to [Custom].once additional settings are complete you can click the Save Preset...button, which will allow you to save a new profi le which can be re-used whenever you create a new PDF, eliminating the need to go through the confi guration process again.)

Ü Check the Embed Page Thumbnails box.Check the Optimize for Fast Web View box (optional).

Ü Check the View PDF after Exporting box (optional).

Ü Click Compression on the left menu. https://ads.ubm.com

9

Ü Photoshop will auto populate the required settings Ensure the followingªBicubic Downsampling To: 300 Pixels/InchªFor images above : 450 Pixels/InchªCompression JPEGªImage Quality: Maximum

Ü Click ‘Output’ on the left menu.

On the Output Menu

Change settings as follows

Ü ColorColor Conversion: ‘Convert to Destination’Destination: U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2Profi le Inclusion Policy: Don’t include Profi le (auto greyed out)

Ü PDF/XOutput Intent Profi le Name: U.S. Web Coated (SwoP) v2Output Condition: (Blank)Output Condition Identifi er : GATS TR 01 (auto greyed out)Registery Name: http://color.org (auto greyed out)

Note: The next menu items ‘Security’ and ‘Summary’ doesn’t require any inputs.

Click Save PDF and review the fi le.

https://ads.ubm.com