Exporting into PDF print quality takes forever, the result can not be opened

[András Hideg]

Hello everyone,

 

I'm having some trouble exporting some large (3,2x2,4 m) size images from Designer into PDF print quality (300 dpi CMYK). It takes forever to export (about 7-8 minutes) and the end result can not be opened, Preview shows an empty file, Adobe Acrobat gives an "Insuficient data for image" error.

If I export to a lower quality, then everything is working fine.

I also tried to use Photo, this seems to work a little bit faster, but it still takes ages.

Other files, in simmilar sizes exported relatively quickly, I only have a problem with one file only.

I have Affinity Designer 1.9.3, MacOS BigSur 11.3.1 and I am using a MacBook Pro 2020 with 1,4 Ghz Core i5 Intel and 8GB ram.

 

I have attached the problematic file.

 

Please help me out, I need to send this ASAP for printing.

 

Thanks

issues.afdesign

[Joachim_L]

Welcome to the Affinity forums @András Hideg!

Rasterise and Trim the layers with the images and export then. For me it took about 3 minutes. BTW how did you add the images to the document?

[András Hideg]

I added the images with with File -> Place. 

[Joachim_L]

2 minutes ago, András Hideg said:

I added the images with with File -> Place.

Strange. I expected them to see in View >> Resource Manager. Did you rasterise them during your work?

[András Hideg]

I don't know what I did, I first made some smaller posters a few months ago and now they asked me to create some billboard size posters.

I tried with Rasterize and Trim, and it still exporting.

I tried to remove all the images and then add them back one by one. When I get to the table in top right, then the issues start with the exported PDF.

Edited May 5, 2021 by András Hideg

[András Hideg]

Okay, so I deleted the table, added it from a different file and now the export is working really fast, under a minute! No idea what is going on with that table...

[Gabe]

Hi both,

Sorry for the delayed reply. 

When using PDF(For Print) preset, it takes 1min40s to export the PDF. The result is not corrupt/empty. I can't see much time difference if I remove the table though. 

What PDF settings do you use? 

[András Hideg]

Just the default 300 dpi.

 

I am having now trouble with another size variation of this file, I can't export it to 72 dpi...

Any other format exports super fast, it's just PDF I am having trouble with.

 

I tried reinstalling Affinity Designer, but it's the same.

[Gabe]

Again, we would need the exact PDF settings you use. There is no "default" 300 DPI preset. Can you attach a screenshot of your "More" dialog? Reinstalling the app won't make it run any faster/better. 

 

[András Hideg]

Sure, here you go. One is for "print" the other is "digital - small size)

 

 

[Gabe]

29 minutes ago, András Hideg said:

am having now trouble with another size variation of this file, I can't export it to 72 dpi...

PDF (digital - small size) takes a few seconds to export. What do you exactly mean by "can't export"? Do you get an error message? What's going on? 

[András Hideg]

This is the second file I am having issues with...

problem 2.afdesign

[András Hideg]

I waited 45 minutes, the progress didn't move a pixel, then I hit cancel.

[Gabe]

Your PDF is exceeding the maximum page size. (200inch at 72dpi) - your page size is 236inch wide . We have already logged an improvement to want users about maximum size. 

[András Hideg]

I see, and what should I do?

[Dazmondo77]

Worked for me using PDF/X-4 - but as it is six by three metres, takes a while for redraw in Acrobat / apple preview

From my past experience doing billboards, (it's been a while) if I remember right, we used to work at 50% of the finished size

1808188926_problem2.pdf

[András Hideg]

11 minutes ago, Dazmondo77 said:

From my past experience doing billboards, (it's been a while) if I remember right, we used to work at 50% of the finished size

You are right, got in touch with the print shop, 50%, or even 33% is okay. Billboards need a minimum a 60dpi on 100%.

 

Thanks

[Gabe]

Or you can choose a preset that doesn't force a new colour profile and ICC. PDF Digital will convert everything to RGB/sRGB while PDF for print will keep the current document working space/icc. Digital will take a very long time with your file, and it is expected. 

[András Hideg]

Ok, thanks everyone for helping me out. I learnt a lot.

I hope that some sort of warning message can be implemented in future releases, like for the maximum PDF size or regarding the color profile conversion that can take a lot of time.