What are PDF Artefacts?

What Are PDF Artefacts and Should You Worry About Them?

When preparing artwork for print, many designers and businesses rely on PDF files. PDFs are the industry standard for delivering print-ready artwork, but sometimes when you open them on screen, you may notice strange issues like faint white lines, boxes, or gaps in your design. These are often called PDF artefacts—and while they can look concerning, they usually aren’t a problem for print production.

How Are PDFs Created?

PDF files can be generated in multiple ways, depending on the design software and export settings used. For example, using a preset like “PDF/X-1a:2001” will compress and flatten the artwork. This process is designed to lock in fonts, colours, and effects, ensuring reliable results across different systems. However, flattening also removes some editing capabilities and can introduce the appearance of artefacts when viewed on screen.

Why Do Artefacts Appear?

Programs like Adobe Illustrator or InDesign allow designers to build highly complex artwork with multiple overlapping layers, gradients, and transparencies. When these are exported to PDF, the file sometimes displays what appear to be visual errors—such as thin white lines or boxes around objects.

The important thing to understand is that these are usually screen-rendering issues, not actual errors in your artwork.

The Zoom Test

A quick way to confirm whether you’re dealing with artefacts is to zoom in on your PDF.

  • If the lines shift, disappear, or change as you zoom in and out, they are simply artefacts.
  • If the artwork remains consistent and the lines don’t disappear, it may indicate a genuine issue that needs correction.

In nearly all cases, when artefacts behave this way, your artwork is perfectly fine to print.

Should You Be Concerned?

The short answer: no. PDF artefacts are common, and professional printers know how to handle them. These visual quirks won’t show up in the final printed product. That said, if you’re ever unsure, it’s a good idea to ask your printer to run a proof or double-check the file.

Key Takeaways

  • PDF artefacts are harmless visual glitches caused by the way software displays flattened artwork.
  • Zooming in helps distinguish artefacts from real errors.
  • Your print job is safe - artefacts will not affect the final quality.
  • Always use the correct PDF export presets (such as PDF/X standards) to avoid compatibility issues

By understanding what PDF artefacts are, you can save yourself unnecessary worry and ensure smooth communication with your printer. At the end of the day, they’re simply a digital illusion—not a printing problem.

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