5 Insights into PDF and AI Integration from Adobe

One of the most popular aspects of PRINTING United Expo this year was the brand new PRINTING AI Pavilion. It was so popular, in fact, that for one session in particular, walls were removed to accommodate all of the attendees. That session was led by Mike Scrutton, director of Print Technology and Strategy at Adobe, who delivered a compelling presentation titled "What You Need to Know about PDF and AI for End-to-End Print Workflows and Embellishment." This session delved into the evolving landscape of print technology, focusing on how PDF and artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing print workflows and embellishment techniques.

Bridging Creative and Print Workflows

Scrutton emphasized the importance of integrating PDF and AI to enhance print production processes. Here are some notable takeaways from his session that commercial print service providers (PSPs) can utilize:

1. Understanding the Power of PDF

PDF is celebrated for its device independence and high-level abstraction. According to Scrutton, “At its heart,  it's a file format that allows you to retain content at its highest level of abstraction.” By storing text, vectors, and images separately, PDF files enable seamless adjustments and high-quality outputs across diverse print formats, making them indispensable in modern print workflows.

2. Leveraging Adobe's AI Technologies

Adobe’s AI capabilities, under the banner Adobe Firefly, are pivotal in refining print processes. Scrutton illustrated, “AI at Adobe is not just about creating RGB images. It's also about enhancing CMYK and PDFs.” These technologies aid in automatic defect correction, such as fixing low-resolution images submitted by customers, thereby ensuring superior print quality without manual rework.

3. Streamlining with Adobe Print Services

One highlight from the session was the introduction of Adobe Print Services, designed to optimize content before it hits the press. Scrutton noted that Adobe Print Services can help optimize production processes, particularly in fast-paced web-to-print environments. By analyzing and adjusting print files using AI, this service minimizes preparation time and enhances efficiency for high-volume printers.

4. Innovating Embellishment with Project Goldsmith

Scrutton unveiled Project Goldsmith, an Adobe initiative aimed at simplifying the production of embellished prints. It's designed to process any file from any source, using AI to discern designers' intent and prepare it for any embellishment system, he explained. This pioneering tool tackles the complexity of embellishment, enabling print providers to offer premium products without extensive manual intervention.

5. Practical Applications and Upcoming Technologies

Further engaging the audience, Scrutton explored real-world applications of these technologies, demonstrating how Adobe’s AI can creatively expand images and adjust embellishments seamlessly within PDF files. He also encouraged attendees to explore these advancements further at the Adobe Max conference, showcasing the innovation driving Adobe’s continued industry leadership.

To watch the full session and discover more key insights, watch the video here: