The following represent only limited highlights of the specification levels for input files in the print industry.
Level Attributes | |
|---|---|
PostScript level 1 | Able to draw objects and images with one color (separated) |
PostScript level 2 | Includes all the attributes of PostScript 1 with the addition of composite colors such as RGB and CMYK |
PostScript level 3 | Includes all the attributes of PostScript 2 with the addition of DeviceN and shading objects |
PDF 1.3 | Almost the equivalent of PostScript 3 |
When you move from PDF 1.4 to an earlier specification level (that is, PDF 1.3, PostScript level 3, and earlier), there is no native transparency. The move to an earlier level will invoke flattening. | |
PDF 1.4 | Includes all the attributes of PDF 1.3 with the addition of transparency and JBIG2 compression |
PDF 1.5 | Includes all the attributes of PDF 1.4 with the addition of layers and JPEG 2000 compression |
PDF 1.6 | Includes all the attributes of PDF 1.5 with the addition of native Open Type fonts |
PDF 1.7 | Includes all the attributes of PDF 1.6 with the addition of 3D capabilities |