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flatten
#4
(08-11-2025, 03:25 PM)skunkworks Wrote: ....The final file must be a PDF. There is a layer filled with the background color. Should each of the half dozen or so layers be flattened, as you suggested? What steps are taken to get the PDF?  

Be prepared for a steep learning curve.  The first thing is the usual advice. Save your work as a Gimp .xcf file or you will regret.

Second is Gimp 3.0 PDF has improved but it does make large PDF files - it is basically a single graphics image embedded in a PDF wrapper.

Some gentle hints:
(1) Are you using a provided template.  Usually come with some sort of margin indicators. Check that the required size is correct Image -> Print Size.
(2) Gimp is a RGB editor but if you want a CMYK image then you need to add a soft-proof profile. You might have already done that in Edit -> Preferences -> Color Management, if not then use Image -> Color Management. You do have a cmyk .icc file don't you ?
(3) While you can flatten the whole image Image -> Flatten Image which removes transparency and reduces the image to a single layer, the same is accomplished by exporting as a jpg file. Turn off any template layer you have in case it transfers to the final image.

   

A CMYK PDF. Gimp does not make CMYK PDF's  These days most printers accept RGB, however if you do need one the tool to use is Scribus, the DTP program.  Use your cmyk jpg from Gimp.  Then save in a PDF-x mode which supports cmyk.

   
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Messages In This Thread
flatten - by skunkworks - 08-11-2025, 02:11 PM
RE: flatten - by CmykStudent - 08-11-2025, 02:21 PM
RE: flatten - by skunkworks - 08-11-2025, 03:25 PM
RE: flatten - by rich2005 - 08-11-2025, 04:23 PM
RE: flatten - by skunkworks - 08-11-2025, 04:48 PM
RE: flatten - by skunkworks - 08-12-2025, 05:31 PM
RE: flatten - by rich2005 - 08-12-2025, 07:03 PM
RE: flatten - by skunkworks - 08-12-2025, 10:13 PM
RE: flatten - by CmykStudent - Yesterday, 04:57 PM

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