Use the 2-Step Refine process to first refine the PDF file and then flatten it.

The 2-step process converts all RGB data to CMYK in the first Refine process and then flattens the file to PDF 1.3 in the second Refine process. See Partner Place Answer ID 73167 for the procedure.

Converting RGB to CMYK in the first Refine process avoids an issue where the flattener converts RGB with different values than the Colormatcher engine. During the second Refine process you can convert spot to process, if desired. You can also select your ink optimizing ICC Device link or ColorFlow setup.

Important points to consider when using the 2-Step Refine process:

• If you will be applying Ink Optimizing on Output, it is still recommended to flatten your PDFs at the Refine stage. 
• You can convert spots to process in the second Refine process or in your Output process template. If you do this the Output process template, enable Overprint Handling. 
• RBA can be used to automate this process. 
• Flattening and two refines have the following drawbacks: 
  • You are refining all pages twice (although the first Refine is typically fast because it involves only RGB conversion).
  • You may see more lines in PDF content in InSite. These are typically cosmetic and do not appear on final output (they go away when you zoom in or out). To resolve this problem, enable Smooth Line Art. 
  • Fonts lose their hinting and may appear bold in Insite. This is a cosmetic issue, and will not render this way on final output. 
  • The PDF file loses some text editing capabilities. 
• InSite considerations:
  • o Compare is not supported. Users may see an unexpected number of revisions. 
  • Be aware that an InSite user could approve after the first Refine and not be aware that the second Refine may change something. To avoid this: 
    • In Prinergy Administrator > Tools > Configure System > Customer Approval, disable Auto-set web-enabled pages to approval required
    • In the RBA scripts, after the 2-Step Refine, add the Set Page Approval action from the Prinergy Actions > Page Actions list.