Remove watermark

[Michele_DeFilippo@adobeforums.com]

Is it ever possible to remove a watermark from a PDF? We generate PDFs from InDesign and send watermarked versions to the client until we get paid. A client is stalling payment for four months now on a job, so I'm worrying that they somehow ran off with the job and managed to print it, even though we tried to protect ourselves.

I don't want to know how it might be done...please let's not give 'em any more bright ideas about how to rip us off...I would just like to know if it can be done by a determined thief.

Thanks,
Michele

[Steve_Werner@adobeforums.com]

Did you secure the PDF so it could not be edited or printed using Acrobat's Security features? If not, you can remove a watermark as easily as you can add it.

[Michele_DeFilippo@adobeforums.com]

Uh oh. No, I did not. But I will from now on. Thanks.

[Michael Kazlow]

A secure password pdf is not secure at all. There are many utilities
that will remove a pasword. I'd recommend putting the watermark in ID
and then flatten it in Acrobat. You can regenerate the pdf without the
watermark.

Mike

[Michele_DeFilippo@adobeforums.com]

Great idea, Mike. The watermark can go on a layer which can be turned on or off as needed. Thank you!

[Jon Bessant]

No, it needs to be flattened so it's part of the file. Having layers
will once again give the client the opportunity to fiddle.

You just add the watermark inside Acrobat and then use the flattener
preview inside Acrobats print production tools to flatten - it's part of
the file from that stage onwards ... if that's what you want?

Jon

[Michele_DeFilippo@adobeforums.com]

Jon,

When I opened one of our watermarked PDFs, the watermark displayed in red in the flattener preview pane.

I set the Vector/Raster balance to zero and clicked apply. Do I need to do anything else?

Thanks,
Michele

[Jon Bessant]

Doesn't matter if vector or raster as such (in this instance) ... just
go for it ... ;-)

Jon

[Michele_DeFilippo@adobeforums.com]

Thanks a bunch.

M.

[Michele_DeFilippo@adobeforums.com]

OK, so now that I've tried this, another problem has cropped up. We work on books, so a watermark on each page creates a HUGE file when the PDF is flattened...too large to email most of the time. Any suggestions on how this might be remedied? I know about YouSendIt.com, but it would be a hassle for us as well as our clients to do this all the time. Thanks, Michele

[sprale@adobeforums.com]

I would suggest adding a watermark to the master page in a new layer that can be turned off for the final version. This would help keep it small and keep all source file work in InDesign.

[pjcassel@adobeforums.com]

Acrobat 8 and 9 gives you the option to remove the watermark.

In addition to locking the pdf file, go to watermark options and change from displaying on screen to only display when printing. It'll ruin a good print job.

I created my watermark in Illustrator, and used the registration swatch for color. The watermark preset takes it down to 1% opacity. If I'm sending out a file that uses CMYK or spot colors, that 1% opacity shows up on each separation.

Another options for creating pdf files, is to convert the proof file to RGB on the fly, as to change the color profile, so that the output changes. RGB black converts to C:75 M:68 Y:67 K:90. Black will not be 100%, the coverage of 75/68/67/90 is 300% coverage, almost too heavy for realistic printing, lots of dry time will be needed.

Yet another option, low res, showing placement. If they want to see the high quality version, make them come to the office and view a print from the proofing device that you print from.

pj

[Michele_DeFilippo@adobeforums.com]

If I create the watermark on a master page in InDesign, and then flatten the PDF, will anyone (either the client or the printer) be able to remove the watermark?

I want my honest clients to see the watermark...a few of them have jumped the gun and sent it to the printer prematurely. I have to admit it would be amusing to see the reaction of the dishonest ones when the printer tells them they have to pay to reprocess 250 pages.

I work for people all over the country, so asking them to visit the office isn't an option, and an RGB PDF adds a tint to black and white photos. :)

Thanks once again,
M.

[Michael Kazlow]

No. They cannot remove it.

Mike