Since we seem to be the only ones here…

When you get a PDF of an ad from a client and it’s the wrong size (ie doesn’t fit your paper’s column width) what do you do ?

Thanks!
Julie

Hi,

I’m assuming that the option to have the client resize the ad is not an option? Because that would be my first step; ask the client to resize it.

I use ID CS2 so this is what works for me.

If the PDF is not too far off in size, you can sometimes get away with placing it in ID and resizing. Just use good judgment; you don’t want the ad looking totally stretched and distorted.

I will sometimes use PS to resize. Create a new document the exact size of the ad. Open PDF in PS, drag and drop it into the new PS document you created. Adjust the dragged layer(PDF) to fit your new document. Again; use judgment.  If all looks good, flatten the file and save as your preferred format. I use TIFF’s whenever possible but PDF’s are great too.

If the ad is not too complicated I will follow the above PS steps and use the selection tool to move areas of the PDF/AD around to make it fit properly. Repeat same saving steps.

If time is an issue (which it usually is!) and you’ve exhausted all the above, float it. Give it a border if necessary. Have your rep explain the details to the client and that for this issue; this is the best option for their ad. Besides; white space is good.

Someone else might have easier options but this is how I handle it. As long as the end result is a non-distorted ad it’s all good.

tracie hawks

Tracie,

I usually bring it into PS and save it at 800, resize it to correct size, if that doesn’t distort it TOO much. Then save as eps and distill to a new PDF.

If it’s going to distort too much I ask the ad reps to call the client and have them resize to correct size.

Do you know about PS auto feature “crop and straighten?” I use that to get rid of any extra white space around an ad, it’s a GREAT little tool. If you get an ad from Quark, it will even take off the crop marks and crop the ad to the boarder! I use that, save as eps and then distill in Distiller to get a pdf.

I just wondered what others did. Thanks for your response!

Julie

Like Tracie mentioned, usually not enough time to send back for correct sizing. I despise ads out of proportion, so stretch to fit is usually out of the question unless it’s not noticeable.

Sometimes I’ll add some type of border if it works with the ad or float it.

Another option is to enlarge in proportion and run at increased depth, or if you’re lucky (yeah right) and have trim room at top or bottom after enlarging you can run at correct depth.

All depends on space availability and the client.