How to generate PDF from TEX

This is a short guide how to create proper PDF from a TeX source
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Original TeX generates DVI file. Common way of conversion DVI to PDF is to run dvips converter to create intermediate PostScript file and some "ps to pdf" tool such as GhostScript. There are modifications such as pdfTeX that generate PDF immediately.

We do not recommend these procedures. PDF files created in such a way are often bad and may cause big problems in processing and printing. 

Try to follow steps below to avoid headaches (both yours and us).
Enjoy them!

  1. Prepare the source for TeX. When including graphics, try to use vector graphics for graphs, diagrams etc. For black lines, do not use thinner lines than 0.3 pt (0.1 mm), for gray lines than 0.6 pt (0.2 mm). Other images have to in bitmap form.
    There are two types of bitmaps - 1 bit, 8 bits or 24/32 bpp (bits per pixel) - other types should not be used. For 1 bpp, use resolution between 600-1200 dpi. For 8/24/32 bpp, use resolution between 200-300 dpi (not more and possibly not less).
  2. Run TeX and create DVI.
  3. Check if Type1 version of CM fonts is installed on your system. All modern TeX installations have them. The fonts are often located in directory tex/texmf/fonts/type1/bluesky/cm. You can also search your system for cmr10.pfb or cmr10.pfa file. In case you don't have these fonts, consider upgrading your TeX installation. You can download font set from eg. ftp.ams.org/pub/tex/psfonts/cm but be prepared for hard time to get it running with dvips. Ask some TeXpert or become one.
  4. Run dvips with -Pcmz command line option. This step is mandatory! Often, bitmap versions of CM fonts are used in PostScript file. This switch tells dvips to use Type1 (vector) fonts instead. Actually it does not matter what switch to use. The only importatnt thing is to include Type1 fonts instead of bitmap.
  5. Create PDF usig Adobe Distiller. Other tools such as GhostScript, pdfwriter, DocBook tols DO NOT generate 'problem free' files! We strongly recommend not to use any other tool for PDF creation. PDF created using nonsatndard programs cause problems in separation, imposition and other processing.
    Files created by Distiller have to be prepared with proper settings. In Distiller 6.0 (but PDF v.4 format compatibility must be used), use predefined "Press Optimized (X1)" for PDF X1/a standard, in older versions use "Press Optimized". In case you have opportunity to preflight the file using Enfocus PitStop or other tool, you should consider it.

Notes prepared by Petr Lobaz 2004

05.04.2007