About zkimmer
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PDF AND jpeg help
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Conversion errors
PDF help
Which file formats do you support?
zkimmer supports PDF and jpeg.
What is a PDF?
A PDF is the most commonly used file format for digital publications. Its file name normally has the extension '.pdf'. To open a PDF you need a small program, such as Adobe Reader (Windows and Mac) or Preview (normally pre-installed on Mac). Get Adobe Reader here (free).
What kind of PDF do you support?
Your PDF must be: Version 1.0-1.5 (both extremes included) / 100 mb max / 500 pages max / about 100 dpi resolution. It is important that you layout your PDF with only one content page per PDF page. Don't design your PDF as a magazine spread (double-pages), as zkimmer will do this for you automatically. Also note that if your PDF is higher than v1.5 we will still convert it for you, although we cannot guarantee a perfect result. If your PDF is lower than v1.0 we will not convert it for you. See below, how to change the version of your PDF.
How do I create a PDF?
Most DTP/layout applications can 'Save as' or 'Export' directly to PDF. Mac users can choose to save as PDF from the general print menu. On Windows you may need to install a small plugin. Try the free PrimoPDF (windows only). Download and install it from www.primopdf.com. Once it is installed, you can print your document as a PDF by selecting PrimoPDF as a printer. More help is found here.
How do I change my PDF to version 1.5 or earlier?
Look for 'Compatibility', 'PDF options', or
similar in the software that you use to create the PDF. Select the
desired version and create the PDF again.
How do I make a PDF from paper illustrations or paintings?
First you have to scan or photograph your material
onto your computer, using a scanning device or digital camera. Then use
graphics and DTP/layout software to edit and layout the scanned
material. When you're done, make a PDF (see above) and upload it to
zkimmer.
Are there any free applications for making a PDF from images?
Mac users can easily use the pre-installed iPhoto
to make a PDF. Simply click 'Book' to choose theme (layout) and drag
your images onto the the desired pages. Once you're satisfied,
right-click outside the book pages and choose 'Save as PDF'.
Windows users can use the free Open Office document editor and simply
insert photos into a new document. The software supports direct export
to PDF: www.openoffice.org.
Mac users can download the equally free Mac version of Open Office,
NeoOffice: www.neooffice.org.
Can I upload a PDF with just one page?
Yes, but we appreciate documents with more than one page, as we are a platform for publications. If you only know how to make PDFs with just one page, see below how to merge single pages.
How do I merge several PDFs into one document?
There are several free programs you can use to do this:
PDF Helper (for Windows).
CombinePDFs
(for Mac):
Online:
There's also an online version, where you upload a Zip-file (archive)
with multiple PDF's that is then merged into one PDF: http://www5.rptea.com/pdf/
Certain items in my document were not converted correctly?
If you have made use of certain layout effects you may experience conversion errors. This normally has to do with transparency, masks, and drop shadow. Some of these problems might disappear if you upload as PDF version 1.3. Only very few publications will have this problem, and we are naturally working on providing perfect conversion for everyone. If you are stuck with a problem like this consider changing/simplifying the layout of your document.
The text/font does not look right after upload?
When you save your file as PDF, you have to make sure that all the used fonts are exported with the document. Otherwise zkimmer has no choice but to replace with a standard font type.
My zkimmer document looks weird?
This is because the page sizes in the uploaded PDF not are the same. Please make sure all the pages in your PDF is the same size; it will make reading/browsing a much smoother experience.
A font in my publication looks wrong?
When you save or export your document as PDF, make sure the fonts are embedded in the actual PDF file. Otherwise zkimmer has no choice but to replace the missing font with a default, using the document's original kerning (the spacing between characters).Also note that your PDF might look all right viewed with your desktop PDF viewer and still look wrong on zkimmer, as your desktop viewer automatically will replace the missing fonts with system fonts.
