File Prep
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Creating a PDF File from Quark

These instructions apply to anyone using Quark 7. It is highly recommended that you use the latest version of Quark, check www.quark.com for more information. Important Note: Quark 7 has the ability to directly export a PDF file; however, you must download and use Prisma Graphic's PDF style to create a PDF/X-1a file. Choose your system platform to download Prisma Graphic's PDF style: Mac | PC. Once the file is downloaded, mount(mac) or unzip(pc) the file on your desktop.

Note: Importing Prisma Graphic's PDF styles only needs to be done once for initial setup. If you are unable to download or load these settings, you can manually choose the correct PDF export options below.

To import Prisma Graphic's PDF output style into Quark, choose Edit > Output Styles.... An Output Styles dialog box will appear. Click Import and select the file Prisma Graphic PDF Style that you mounted or unzipped in Step 1, then click Open.

With your file open in Quark, choose File > Export > Layout as PDF.... An Export as PDF dialog box will appear. Name the file and choose the folder in which you would like the PDF to be saved. At the bottom of the dialog box, select the appropriate Prisma Graphic PDF Style in the PDF Style drop down menu. Click Save to create the PDF file. Once completed, be sure to compare the PDF version of the file with the original version.

Warning: There are currently known issues with using transparencies in Quark 7. Use of transparencies may cause extra processing time when printing or exporting due to the transparency flattening process. More importantly, the flattening of transparencies (including drop shadows) in Quark 7 may cause unexpected results. It is critical that you proof the final PDF before submitting files to Prisma Graphic, specifically areas where flattened transparencies are involved.

Manually Creating Prisma Graphic's PDF Style from Quark

If you are unable to load Prisma Graphic's PDF style, you can manually create PDF styles. With your file open in Quark, choose Edit > Output Styles... An Output Styles dialog box will appear, click New and choose PDF. Match the settings for each option (Pages, Meta Data, Hyperlinks, Compression, Color, Fonts, Marks, Bleed, Layers, Transparency, OPI, JDF and Summary) to the corresponding screen shots below. In the PDF Style dialog box at the top, name the style "Prisma Graphic PDF style" and Click OK. (You may want to create an additional style for your Grayscale files). Click Save to save your PDF style. You are now ready to export your PDF.