How to generate PDF from TEX
This is a short guide how to create proper PDF from a TeX
source
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
- 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).
- Run TeX and create DVI.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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