PDF/X, where 'X' stands for 'exchange,' is a widely adopted subset of the ISO standard designed for the printing industry. It ensures that files meet strict requirements for print production.
While PDF/X guarantees compatibility for processing print-ready files with CalderaRIP, individual exports can still vary in their color management settings.
Warning
Be sure not to change the PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 output parameters when exporting PDF/X from your design program, unless you are an experienced color management operator.
Main differences
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PDF/X-1A |
PDF/X-4 |
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Allows work with the following color spaces:
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Allows work with the following color spaces:
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When a file contains complex effects and uses color spaces such as Grayscale, CMYK, or Spot Colors, it is generally recommended to use PDF/X-1a.
On the other hand, if the design file contains RGB information, PDF/X-4 is the preferred choice, as it preserves special effects without automatically rasterizing them. Additionally, designers have the option to manually convert effects within their design applications if needed.
Another key difference between PDF/X formats is the handling of image rasterization. This process allows the PDF to manage advanced or complex design effects:
- In the case of PDF/X-1a, all intricate elements—such as shadows and meshes—are rasterized, converting them into pixel-based images (breaking them down into dots rather than lines).
- However, PDF/X-4 retains these complex effects without converting them to images.
You can learn more about all the setups of PDF/X by clicking here.
Verify your files
You can see in CalderaRIP what kind of PDF is created under the Info window:
PDF/X1-A:
PDF/X-4: