9 replies to this topic

[ideaguy]

I have a logo in a .pdf format. I need to be able to manipulate the
logo. Can someone help me and convert it to a .cdr file format
for me? I work in CorelDraw 7 on a PC. Your help would be
most appeciated. Thank you. IDEAGUY

[Jim]

send me the file and I'll see what I can do. be sure to put distributor talk member in the subject line
jim@freelancegraphics.net

[ideaguy]

Jim, I just want to thank you again for helping me with this. The file worked very well, and I really do appreciate it....

It is quite comforting and amazing that there are people like you (on this site) that are willing to help -out of the goodness of their hearts. I thank you again. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Best. IDEAGUY

[eronan]

Kind of ironic but I was in this same situation today. I'd love to know what the process is to convert the pdf to a cdr. Can you share or is it too complicated? I ended up setting up my artwork without the logo in it and sending the pdf of the logo along with the cdr file of the rest of the art to my supplier. They will fix this for me for a charge.

Erin

[ideaguy]

Erin, it happens quite often. I have done what you have done many of times before. I don't know a great deal about it. I can tell you that if the .pdf file is created with vector art, then it can be converted to a .cdr format. If it is not, than I've been told that it can't be accurately converted because the fonts are not saved as curves, and when it is converted, the fonts will not be the same (your system will substitute them with a close resident font. Perhaps, Jim at "Freelance Graphics" may be able to explain better. He was so kind to help me. IDEAGUY

[Jim]

Lot of times you can convert a pdf file, It all depends on how the file was created. I usually open it in adobe illustrator then save it as an illustrator file with all text converted to outlines. If the native file is not converted to outlines or curves then you must have the font. Everything is trial and error. If I can get the file in my sign cutting program then I can export it to an illustrator file which I can then import into CorelDraw. Most of the time though suppliers like to have illustrator files so I don't do too much to CorelDraw unless I design it there. Hope this helps. Just remember that fonts are usually the problem.

Jim

[ideaguy]

Erin, you see... I told you Jim may have the answer for us. Thanks again Jim. IDEAGUY

[lgoutman]

I have using Camera Ready Art (www.camerareadyart.com) for several years. They can convert just about anything to usable vector art!

[MarketingGuru]

It is easy to convert a PDF to Corel file. Open CorelDraw and import the PDF file, select Acrobat PDF in the file type and click import. Yes it is true in order to get a sharp logo the PDF embedded logo must be originally created as vector art. Actually a lot of graphic designers are now sending PDFs as clean artwork files.

Here's another trick: if you are ever looking for a new company's logo and don't want the hassle of waiting for your client to get back to you or put you in touch with their graphic designer, type in the Google search the company name [space] PDF, and you should find newsletters, reports and documents with possibly your client's logo displayed in them. Then import the pdf pages into Corel or Adobe and highlight the logo and delete the text.

In my opinion I would suggest you do your due diligence of researching the artwork company. Some of them are owned by distributors. I would suggest you get them to sign a non-disclosure/non-compete agreement, so you can protect your client base, otherwise there is nothing stopping them from calling your contacts. I know of one artwork service company in CA that is owned by a distributor.

How to find out, use Google, type in the address of the art house and add in the word promotions or promotional products. Also ask them directly to see if they are owned by a promotions company or share the same office, see what they say.

Guru

[ideaguy]

MarketingGuru, thanks for your sage advice... I am sure that many people on this site will appreciate your "tricks of the trade." I am quite surprised about Camera-Ready Art.com, and I don't blame bestpromotionsinc.com for getting into the design business - it's an excellent extention of their business, especially since they have a high volume of artwork from their core business. I think that they were the first company to offer artwork services to our industry. I know that they typically don't convert different file types, rather they only redraw and vectorize the art. As with any service provider/supplier we work with, I do agree - Caveat Emptor. Thanks. IDEAGUY