Welcome to HiResCovers.NET

[de_cypher]

Unfortunately the search function won't let me search for anything under three characters so I am sorry if this is a silly, often-asked question...

Is there any reason why people aren't creating acrobat .pdf versions of their custom covers and making them available for download?

[Guest_Skallywag®_*]

Unfortunately the search function won't let me search for anything under three characters so I am sorry if this is a silly, often-asked question...

Is there any reason why people aren't creating acrobat .pdf versions of their custom covers and making them available for download?

Mainly due to the requirement for extra software (acrobat to create them) and whilst PDF has distinct benefits over JPEG I also believe the gallery we use doesn't support pdf currently (Bazzah correct me if I'm wrong)

Also it's what were all used to , if PDF does work I'll do a test since I can colour correct a PDF for print far easier than I can a jpeg (work in a print trade related industry).

Hope that helps.

[Bazzah]

As Skally said, jpg is a universal format, that will work without the need for extra software. If we started using pdf, then we would be swamped with members asking how to use them. So, it's not very practical.

[de_cypher]

fair enough.

I realise it [ Acrobat ] isn't as widely used outside the printing industry and that some members may not know how to create a decent .pdf file, but Acrobat Reader is a free download and most browsers [ with the help of a plugin ] can display .pdf files, therefore I would imagine the printing aspect wouldn't be an issue. There might be some education required for cover generators, however.

As Skallywag alluded to, immediate benefits over the JPEG file format could be;
artwork for both the outside and inside of cases could be offered in one file, or layered files for multiple languages [ or the ability to 'switch off' the synopsis on the back, leaving the base artwork and logos etc for others to customise or translate ], CYMK colour space and vector based font information [ possibly leading to smaller files? ].

Should this be of any interest to anyone, I would be happy to write up some documentation for a FAQ/Wiki section?

[Bazzah]

It's not that I disagree with what you say, it would probably be adventageous to use pdf files. But don't forget (no offense intended at all) some members struggle to switch their PC on. I know a couple of people personaly, that use this site, that have just amazed me by creating a membership by themsleves! So, you have to consider, no matter how good a tutorial, there will always be a percentage of members that will be trying to open up a downloaded image, and eventualy give up trying, and give up the site. We have created th5s s5te t6 be as user friendly as possible.

[de_cypher]

While I understand your point, I think it is a shame to hinder progress for the sake of familiarity or to limit options in order to safeguard users from themselves.

much respect, de.

[ubl6612]

as far as I remember you can't create pdf files with the free Adobe Acrobat you will need the pro version which isn't cheap. I know there are cheaper programs that can make them, but I have never really experimented in that area.

[Guest_Skallywag®_*]

I gotta agree with the benefits proposition, but as Bazzah said it's a much broader audience than you can imagine.

As ubl says your talking about adding about £400 to the creators costs for a copy of Acrobat Pro (required for most of the functionality you mention) and cheaper alternatives like NikNak only provide 'distiller' like functionality and poor compatiblity. Perhaps we can make some tests in the future to asess acceptance. But it also adds extra work for the designer and since the is a non paying gig, well you get the picture I'm sure

[Irrob]

It's like the difference between DVD and HD DVD, know what I mean? Fact is, that sort of change will be tough on alot of folks.

[de_cypher]

there is always some issues when straying from accepted behaviour, and that's to be expected.

we all love film and that's why we're here. We are constantly searching for the next golden format [ having moved from celluloid to VCR to laser disc to DVD and now to HD DVD/Blu Ray ] that will provide us with the ultimate image, we have Dolby 5.1 pumped through top quality surround sound systems as we watch our HDTV, 1080i plasma screens in darkened rooms in an effort to do whatever we can to enhance or improve our film watching experience - why not reflect our love of perfection in the quality of our custom cover art?

.jpg files are grand. they certainly do the job and I am in no way suggesting contributors should start releasing their work in .pdf format only, rather that those with the required software/skills be able to offer [ perhaps along side the standard .jpg file ] a .pdf version should they decide the benefits of the format are appropriate.

Hires has some very talented members [ a lot of you have posted in this thread ], why not allow your work to be admired in the best quality you can offer?

No other cover site I know of offer .pdf files, here is an opportunity to lead the way..