PDF Creation Software

Our Favorite

Adobe Acrobat is the gold standard for PDF creation, since the PDF spec was invented by Adobe. If you have it, use it. If not, we’ve found the programs listed below to have reliable output in most cases. They’ve been tested by our creators and printers and have been put through rigorous tests to make sure that the PDF created will be print ready. Programs that aren’t included on this list (such as open source or small, independent creators) can create digital PDFs perfect for viewing on a computer screen - but only for that. When sent through production on an industrial print floor they are unreliable and can print in a way that is unexpected (and unwanted!)

Avoid Disaster

Like all on-demand printers, we're not able to review everything about your file before printing. This is why if you find concerns that were caused by the files you uploaded then we aren’t able to reprint or refund those orders. It's also why we try to provide you with as much information as possible to optimize your PDF!

Known cases for printing woes are special effects, such as drop shadows, text outlines, photo frames, and complex vector artwork. If you use such effects in your book, we strongly recommend you use Acrobat. It is expensive, but works and not nearly as costly as failed printing output. Some known programs that we’ve seen issues with are: Microsoft Publisher 2003, Microsoft Word 2010 or earlier, and PDFs below version 1.5.

Helpful Reminders

Our PDF Specs page does an amazing job going further into detail, but here are some helpful tips!

1. Use the Print or Press settings for the maximum printing quality.
2. Make sure all fonts are embedded
3. Make sure you use sRGB colorspace
4. Two page spreads should begin with page 2 since our pages start on the right
5. Keep in mind the Cropping And Bleed for your project