Please see the instructions below for printing a PostScript file from Quark XPress 6, then distilling it into a PDF using Adobe Distiller.

Step 1: Turn Off Quark CMS and OPI XTensions

• No OPI or Profiles tab should appear in the Print screen.

Step 2: Print Menu | Print Layout | Layout

• Uncheck "Separations and Spreads"
• Select Registration "Centered"
• Set Offset to "12 pt"
• If you are not using the Custom Bleed XTension, the bleed field will appear in this window.
  • Set bleed to ".125 in"

Step 3: Print Menu | Print Layout | Setup

• Choose Printer Description "Adobe PDF"
• Choose Paper Size "Custom"
• Set width and height to 1 inch larger than your trim size to allow for bleeds and printer's marks.
• Set Reduce or Enlarge to "100 %"
• Set Paper Offset & Gap to "0"

Step 4: Print Menu | Print Layout | Output

• Choose Print Colors "Composite CMYK"
• Choose Halftoning "Printer"
• Choose Resolution "2400 dpi"

Step 5: Print Menu | Print Layout | Options

• Pictures
  • Choose Output "Normal"
  • Choose Data "Binary"
  • Choose OPI "Include Images"
  • Uncheck "Full Res of Rotated Objects"
  • Uncheck "Overprint EPS Black"
  • Checkmark "Full Resolution TIFF Output"

Step 6: Print Menu | Print Layout | Layers

• Be sure to suppress layers you don't want to print

Step 7: Print Menu | Print Layout | Bleed

• Choose Bleed Type "Symmetric"
• Set Bleed Amount to ".125 in"
• Checkmark "Clip at Bleed Edge"

Note: if you are not using the Custom Bleed XTension, the bleed field is located under the Layout tab.

Step 8: Print Menu | Print Layout | Printer Button

• Click the "Printer" button
• Choose a PostScript printer or Virtual PostScript Printer
• Choose "Output Options"
• Checkmark "Save as File"
• Choose Format "PostScript"
• Click "Save" button to specify a disk location
• Save, then click "Print" button

Step 9: Convert the PostScript to a PDF using Acrobat Distiller

• Lauch Acrobat Distiller
• Select Default option "PDF/X-3:2002". It is very important to choose this default!
• Open and distill your PostScript file:
  • From File Menu, select "Open"
  • Browse for your PostScript ( ".ps" ) file
  • Acrobat will immediately begin generating a PDF with the same filename, and a .PDF extension.

Note: if your document is all spot colors, change the Standards setting in Distiller NOT to enforce compliance. To do this:

• In Distiller, choose "Settings | Edit Adobe PDF Settings"
• Click the "Standards" folder
• Select Compliance Standard "None"
• Save settings as "Offset-Spot.joboptions"

How did you do? Preflight your file before submitting!

If you have Acrobat 7 Professional, you can automatically preflight check your file before submitting it to us. It's easy and it's fun. Click the link below to learn more:

• Preflighting PDFs Automatically