Illustrator and saving PDF smaller size

[sfr table hockey]

Using illustrator I had a glitch thing happen and all reset it seems.

When I wanted to send a PDF for someone to view I would save it as PDF and then in the drop down menu on top you could pick option and one was smallest file size ( or something like that ) .

Now the custom drop down has nothing in it. I know it must be just due to the re-setting but can't seem to find where to change this.

Thanks for any Help

 

[GypsyGraphics]

Under Adobe PDF Preset, are you not getting this?

 

[The Vector Doctor]

Have you tried resetting the preference file? I did a search on my HD for the presets and could not find the drop down listing names anywhere so maybe they are encrypted. Even my custom ones I created I could not find

As a last resort, reinstall the software

edit: scratch that. I did find my custom ones ending in .joboptions but none of the prebuilt ones. Probably part of the software install and cannot be restored easily with a reinstall

 

[sfr table hockey]

Under Adobe PDF Preset, are you not getting this?
View attachment 62515

Back from a late lunch sorry for the delay.

Yes that is the drop down I am looking for. Can I have yours?

 

[signswi]

Why don't you just make a new preset? The default smallest file size isn't that great anyway.

 

[sfr table hockey]

Just noticed going into edit and Adobe PDF presets it won't open due to an unknown error (PARM)

Would an uninstall reinstall correct this?

 

[sfr table hockey]

So the Adobe PDF presets are messed up due to a parm (assume parameter) or not....

Last bump for any ideas or do I just need to do a re install?

I have a bunch of downloaded brush and fills that I would rather not have to mess with again. Could I just save that folder and then drop back in after the install?

 

[AUTO-FX]

This isnt exactly helpful for your particular situation, but I thought I would make the following suggestion-
When i am sending a file to a customer for approval, I often save the file as a jpeg, and then I use "PDF Factory" to save the file as a PDF. This renders the file useless as far as reproduction is concerned, but still gives the benefit of a universal file that is compact. Just thought I'd mention it.

 

[CES020]

I had a problem with pdf's being so large, so Rick told me to use Adobe Distiller (I think that's the one).

Works like a champ. Takes my huge file and makes it small and doesn't kill the graphics. You might want to take a look at that process if you have it installed.

 

[sfr table hockey]

First, thank you to all that have had some imput.

On post #2 you can see the screen shot that should come up.

From Illustrator CS3 in the menu "edit" then "Adobe PDF presets" this is where there is an unknown error (PARM).

I can still save files but just wondering if there is a way to get the PDF presets back. I have even tried to find the file on my laptop that has CS3 as well, but not having any luck.

In my shared Documents folder there is an Adobe folder that in it has folders "extras" and "settings" in the settings folder there are all those icon files in a red like outline and the icons seem faded out where in other folders those icons are bright red. No idea if that makes sence or not.

 

[GypsyGraphics]

Not sure this will help since it seems to be specially CS5 but thought it was worth reading. Don't see why you still couldn't download the a trail version, grab the PDF presets and put them wherever they are needed for CS3.

Adobe CS5 shares its PDF setting across the applications, so they're read from one hidden folder in the C:.

1. Download and install trial version of InDesign from the Adobe website onto your friend's computer.
2. On BOTH computers, go to Control Panel, Folder Options and click the tab Show, scroll down a little and click Show hidden files and folders.
3. There should now be a folder showing called ProgramData, navigate to C:/ProgramData/Adobe/ on your computer. There should be a folder here called Adobe PDF, this is where the presets are stored.
4. Once the installated copy the Adobe PDF folder and paste it into C:/ProgramData/Adobe/ on your computer.
5. Fire up your Adobe program and your PDF presets should be there

 

[sfr table hockey]

Well GG, you helped in one area. By clicking the show hidden files on the laptop I was able to find those PDF preset files and drag them into the problem computer but........ did not work.

Funny thing is that I have CS2 on that computer as well and it still has the pdf presets and works. I think I read on the web that someone had to uninstall and re install and it fixed it. Now just go to back up some of the new brushes and fills I got.

Also just noticed I can't save as an AI file (error comes up) but can as a PDF or EPS.

Thanks again for your help

 

[sfr table hockey]

Udate as problem is fixed (parm) error

I had read on the web that others had the same thing happen when working with large files.

The fix was to basically uninstall Illustrator and reinstall just Illustrator but it also was showing reparing files as it was installing.

Thanks to The Vector Doctor as that was one of the first suggestions. Now to try to get everything back the way it was....... which leads me to starting a new post to ask about that.

 

[The Vector Doctor]

If you have a backup you should consider finding the previous preference file and replacing it so that you don't have to remember all of your original settings.

It would take me a week to get things back to normal as over time I have made so many adjustments to settings, palette positions, various defaults. I also have custom keyboard shortcuts that I like to restore

 

[sfr table hockey]

I did do backups so that is an option but I am still quite new with Illustrator so some of my settings may have been more screwups than my preferences. I am interested in hearing others pref. settings in the other thread I started.

Thanks again for your help