![Pdf x download](https://cdn1.cdnme.se/5447227/9-3/15_64e61dfcddf2b36505b4c7c9.png)
![pdf x download pdf x download](https://sc.filehippo.net/images/t_app-cover-s,f_auto/p/abe02b64-916f-11e6-86a9-00163ec9f5fa/2488022152/pdf-download-screenshot.jpg)
You may also notice that there are two options for X-3 compliance: PDF/X-3:2002 and PDF/X-3:2003. However, they are actually just extensions of the X-3 standard that allow for features that our press does not support which can lead to problems when printing. The X-4 and X-5 standards are newer than the X-3 standard, obviously. The X-1a standard only allows CMYK colors, which would be ideal on our press, but is a bit too limiting for most of our clients. While these settings may work fine, they are not the best options when creating PDFs for CEC. You may notice when creating your PDF that there are other options, such as PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-4 and PDF/X-5. Again, you will receive an error message when trying to create and X-3 compliant file using fonts that do not allow embedding. A PDF cannot be fully PDF/X-3 compliant if the fonts are not or cannot be embedded. Another common issue that the PDF/X-3 standard alleviates is font embedding. In these cases it is necessary to convert spot colors to CMYK in the native file before exporting to PDF. If it cannot be corrected automatically via the transparency flattener, it will generate an error message letting you know that your file cannot be converted to an X-3 compliant PDF. A PDF file created with the X-3 standard will catch this issue and usually correct it in the exporting process.
![pdf x download pdf x download](https://downloadofficial.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/adobe-acrobat-pdf.jpg)
One of the major issues we run into is spot colors and transparency effects – which we covered in a previous blog. This standard helps to eliminate many color, font and transparency issues that can occur during the digital printing process. Simply put, the PDF/X-3 standard helps ensure that your file is print-ready. Additionally, it eliminates a lot of problems that can occur with native files, such as missing fonts, missing images, etc… More specifically, we prefer to receive PDF files created using the PDF/X-3 standard. So if we receive a PDF, it cuts down on setup time and our clients get their proofs and finished products much faster than if we have to print from the native files. The primary reason for this is that our digital presses use a PDF workflow. If you’ve worked with CEC, read our Knowledge page or kept up with our Blog, then you know that we prefer to work from PDF files.
![Pdf x download](https://cdn1.cdnme.se/5447227/9-3/15_64e61dfcddf2b36505b4c7c9.png)