[cairo] PDF backend generates images that gs can't display etc

[Arjen Nienhuis]

On Thu, Feb 25, 2010 at 8:10 PM, Chris Murphy <lists at colorremedies.com> wrote:
>
>> On Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:07:50 +0100, Arjen Nienhuis <a.g.nienhuis at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Solution 1: An api to create v1.2 PDFs
>>> - Cairo would be compatible with 99% of all pdf viewers and almost
>>> compatible with PDF/A
>>> - A lot of RIPs and PDF tools used in the printing industry don't
>>> really support PDF 1.4. This is very specialized software (and
>>> expensive) and cannot be upgraded.
>
>
> Every single modern RIP on the planet is supporting PDF 1.4 with live transparency. This is the primary workflow for a client of mine, one of the largest publishers in the world. Both their printing company's RIP process such files, as well as the proofing RIP.
>

Yes, modern RIPs. I'd like those...

Transparancy is fine BTW. It's the 'SMask' command that's not supported.

> The current versions of PDF/X-1a, and PDF/X-3 are PDF 1.4 based, transparency disallowed. PDF/X-4 and X-5 are PDF 1.6 based, transparency allowed.
>
> The "Press Quality" PDF preset in Adobe applications creates PDF 1.4 based files, with live transparency. It's rather common now.

But do those programs create Smasks?

>
> PDF 1.3 is legacy and should be dismissed for enabling modern workflows. PDF 1.2 shouldn't be considered.