[EN] PostScript embedded (XObject) – DUON-PORTAL HELP CENTER (EN)

Description

Embedded PostScript is not allowed in some PDF-based ISO standards.

This Preflight warning indicates that the PDF contains an embedded PostScript XObject. An XObject is an external object (usually PostScript code) embedded in the PDF. PostScript files can be included as graphical or textual content displayed within the PDF. These XObjects can cause issues because they make the PDF structure more complex and may lead to compatibility or rendering problems.

Under PDF/X standards, which focus on high print quality and reliability, embedding PostScript code is generally prohibited because it can contain potentially unsafe or undesired content and may compromise reproducibility. PDF/X requires documents to use only standardized graphic formats that can be reliably processed by PDF viewers and printing systems.

Common Causes

Old PDF creation tools: Older programs or printer drivers that use PostScript in their output may embed PostScript elements as XObjects in the PDF.
PostScript filters: During printing or conversion workflows, especially from PostScript-to-PDF converters or older design software, PostScript code may be embedded as an XObject.
Printers and RIPs: Some printers and Raster Image Processors (RIPs) can generate XObjects when processing PDFs containing PostScript code.
Manual editing: Editing PDFs after creation (e.g., in Adobe Illustrator or Acrobat) can accidentally introduce PostScript elements.

Suggested Solutions

Remove XObjects using Adobe Acrobat Pro: Open the PDF in Acrobat Pro. Navigate to Tools > Print Production > Preflight. Select a PDF/X profile (e.g., PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-4). Run the Preflight check and look for embedded PostScript XObjects. Use Acrobat Pro’s optional repair function to remove them and make the PDF compliant with PDF/X.
Recreate the document without PostScript content: If the original source document is available (e.g., Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or QuarkXPress), open it and export the PDF without PostScript content. Configure export options to avoid embedding PostScript data. Choose PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 during export and disable any PostScript or unnecessary compression options. The exported PDF should no longer contain XObjects.