# How to Export Print-Ready PDFs with CE.SDK

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use the Print Ready PDF plugin to transform CE.SDK’s standard RGB PDF exports into PDF/X-3 compliant, CMYK-based files suitable for professional commercial printing. We’ll add a custom export button that handles color space conversion, ICC profile embedding, and PDF/X compliance—all client-side without any backend infrastructure.

15 mins

estimated time

Live Demo[

Download](https://github.com/imgly/cesdk-web-examples/archive/refs/heads/main.zip)[

StackBlitz](https://stackblitz.com/~/github.com/imgly/cesdk-web-examples/tree/main/plugins-print-ready-pdf-browser)[

GitHub](https://github.com/imgly/cesdk-web-examples/tree/main/plugins-print-ready-pdf-browser)

## What You’ll Build[#](#what-youll-build)

A complete print-ready PDF export workflow that:

*   Adds a custom “Export Print-Ready PDF” button to CE.SDK
*   Exports designs as standard PDFs using CE.SDK’s engine
*   Converts RGB PDFs to CMYK with professional ICC profiles
*   Adds PDF/X-3:2003 compliance for commercial printing
*   Handles transparency flattening automatically
*   Downloads print-ready files directly in the browser

## Prerequisites[#](#prerequisites)

*   Modern browser with WebAssembly support (Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+)
*   Basic knowledge of JavaScript/TypeScript and CE.SDK
*   Optional: CE.SDK license to remove watermark - [Get a free trial](https://img.ly/forms/free-trial)

## Step 1: Install the Plugin[#](#step-1-install-the-plugin)

First, add the Print Ready PDF plugin to your project alongside CE.SDK:

Terminal window

```
npm install @cesdk/cesdk-js @imgly/plugin-print-ready-pdfs-web@1.0.0
```

The plugin is a standalone npm package that works with any CE.SDK integration.

**Package details:**

*   `@cesdk/cesdk-js`: CE.SDK core library
*   `@imgly/plugin-print-ready-pdfs-web`: Print-ready PDF conversion plugin

**Try it yourself:**

1.  Run `npm install` in your project
2.  Verify packages appear in `package.json`
3.  Check node\_modules contains both packages

## Step 2: Set Up CE.SDK with Custom Export Button[#](#step-2-set-up-cesdk-with-custom-export-button)

Initialize CE.SDK and add a custom export button to the navigation bar:

```
// Initialize CE.SDKconst cesdk = await CreativeEditorSDK.create('#cesdk-container', config);
// Add custom export button to navigation barcesdk.ui.insertNavigationBarOrderComponent('last', {  id: 'ly.img.actions.navigationBar',  children: [    {      key: 'export-print-ready-pdf',      id: 'ly.img.action.navigationBar',      label: 'Export Print-Ready PDF',      iconName: '@imgly/Download',      onClick: async () => {        await exportPrintReadyPDF();      },    },  ],});
```

**CE.SDK concepts explained:**

*   **`insertNavigationBarOrderComponent()`**: Dynamically adds UI components to the navigation bar
*   **`'last'`**: Position for the button (can be ‘first’, ‘last’, or after specific components)
*   **`iconName`**: Uses CE.SDK’s built-in icon library (`@imgly/icons/`)
*   **`onClick`**: Function executed when button is clicked

The custom action button integrates seamlessly with CE.SDK’s UI, appearing alongside built-in export options.

**Verify the integration:**

1.  Start your development server
2.  Open CE.SDK in the browser
3.  Look for “Export Print-Ready PDF” button in the navigation bar
4.  Button should be clickable (even if export isn’t implemented yet)

## Step 3: Export PDF from CE.SDK[#](#step-3-export-pdf-from-cesdk)

Now implement the export logic to get the PDF from CE.SDK’s engine:

```
// Get current scene IDconst scene = cesdk.engine.scene.get();
// Get all pages in the sceneconst pages = cesdk.engine.block.findByType('page');
// Export first page as PDFconst pdfBlob = await cesdk.engine.block.export(pages[0], {  mimeType: 'application/pdf',});
```

**CE.SDK export methods in detail:**

*   **`engine.scene.get()`**: Returns the ID of the current scene (the design being edited)
*   **`engine.block.export()`**: Exports a specific block (in this case, the entire scene) as a Blob
*   **`'application/pdf'`**: MIME type specifying PDF format output

The `engine.block.export()` method is the recommended approach for PDF export. CE.SDK handles all PDF generation internally.

**Test your implementation:**

*   Open CE.SDK and create a simple design
*   Click the custom export button
*   Check browser console shows no errors
*   Verify PDF blob has `size > 0`

## Step 4: Convert to Print-Ready Format[#](#step-4-convert-to-print-ready-format)

Use the plugin to convert CE.SDK’s RGB PDF to CMYK PDF/X-3 format:

```
// Convert to print-ready PDF/X-3 formatconst printReadyPDF = await convertToPDFX3(pdfBlob, {  outputProfile: 'fogra39', // European printing standard  title: 'Print-Ready Export',});
```

**How this integrates with CE.SDK:**

*   CE.SDK exports standard RGB PDF (optimized for screens)
*   Plugin intercepts the PDF blob
*   Converts RGB colors to CMYK using professional ICC profiles
*   Adds PDF/X-3:2003 compliance markers
*   Embeds color profile for consistent printing

**Color profile selection:**

The `outputProfile` parameter determines the color space and printing standard:

*   **`'fogra39'`**: European offset printing (ISO Coated v2 ECI)
*   **`'gracol'`**: USA commercial printing (GRACoL 2013)
*   **`'srgb'`**: Digital distribution (keeps RGB)
*   **`'custom'`**: Use your own ICC profile file

Choose the profile that matches your print region or vendor requirements.

**Verify the conversion:**

1.  Conversion should complete in 2-5 seconds
2.  Output PDF is larger than input (~400-500KB for ICC profile)
3.  No error messages in console
4.  Blob size increased indicates successful conversion

## Step 5: Download Print-Ready PDF[#](#step-5-download-print-ready-pdf)

Trigger the browser download for the converted PDF:

```
// Download the print-ready PDFconst url = URL.createObjectURL(printReadyPDF);const link = document.createElement('a');link.href = url;link.download = 'design-print-ready.pdf';link.click();URL.revokeObjectURL(url);
```

**Browser download pattern explained:**

*   **`URL.createObjectURL()`**: Creates temporary URL for the Blob
*   **`document.createElement('a')`**: Creates download link element
*   **`link.click()`**: Triggers browser’s download dialog
*   **`URL.revokeObjectURL()`**: Cleans up temporary URL (prevents memory leaks)

This pattern works in all modern browsers without requiring server endpoints.

**Test the complete workflow:**

1.  Create a design in CE.SDK
2.  Click “Export Print-Ready PDF” button
3.  Browser should prompt to save file
4.  Downloaded PDF should open in PDF viewers
5.  Check file properties for PDF/X-3:2003 compliance

## Complete Implementation[#](#complete-implementation)

Here’s the full integration combining all steps:

```
import CreativeEditorSDK from '@cesdk/cesdk-js';// @ts-expect-error - Plugin types will be available in future releaseimport { convertToPDFX3 } from '@imgly/plugin-print-ready-pdfs-web';
let cesdk: CreativeEditorSDK;
const config = {  // By default, CE.SDK runs with a watermark.  // Get a free trial license at https://img.ly/forms/free-trial to remove it.  // Uncomment the line below and add your license key:  // license: 'your-license-key-here',  // baseURL: `https://cdn.img.ly/packages/imgly/cesdk-js/${CreativeEditorSDK.version}/assets`,};
async function init() {  // Initialize CE.SDK  cesdk = await CreativeEditorSDK.create('#cesdk-container', config);
  cesdk.ui.insertNavigationBarOrderComponent('last', {    id: 'ly.img.actions.navigationBar',    children: [      {        key: 'export-print-ready-pdf',        id: 'ly.img.action.navigationBar',        label: 'Export Print-Ready PDF',        iconName: '@imgly/Download',        onClick: async () => {          await exportPrintReadyPDF();        }      }    ]  });
  // Load default scene  await cesdk.createDesignScene();  await cesdk.addDefaultAssetSources();  await cesdk.addDemoAssetSources();}
async function exportPrintReadyPDF() {  try {    // Check if CE.SDK is initialized    if (!cesdk) {      throw new Error('CE.SDK not initialized');    }
    // Get current scene ID    const scene = cesdk.engine.scene.get();
    if (scene == null) {      throw new Error('No scene loaded');    }
    // Get all pages in the scene    const pages = cesdk.engine.block.findByType('page');
    if (pages.length === 0) {      throw new Error('No pages found in scene');    }
    // Export first page as PDF    const pdfBlob = await cesdk.engine.block.export(pages[0], {      mimeType: 'application/pdf'    });
    // Convert to print-ready PDF/X-3 format    const printReadyPDF = await convertToPDFX3(pdfBlob, {      outputProfile: 'fogra39', // European printing standard      title: 'Print-Ready Export'    });
    // Download the print-ready PDF    const url = URL.createObjectURL(printReadyPDF);    const link = document.createElement('a');    link.href = url;    link.download = 'design-print-ready.pdf';    link.click();    URL.revokeObjectURL(url);
    console.log('Print-ready PDF exported successfully!');  } catch (error) {    console.error('Export failed:', error);    alert('Failed to export print-ready PDF. Please try again.');  }}
// Initialize when page loadsinit().catch((error) => {  console.error('Failed to initialize CE.SDK:', error);});
```

This implementation adds a complete print-ready PDF export workflow to CE.SDK with just a few lines of code.

Find the complete working example in the [GitHub repository](https://github.com/imgly/cesdk-web-examples/tree/main/plugins-print-ready-pdf-browser).

## Transparency Handling[#](#transparency-handling)

PDF/X-3:2003 is based on PDF 1.3 which does not support transparency. By default, the plugin flattens all transparency to ensure compliance.

**Why Flattening is Required:**

Transparency flattening is mandatory for PDF/X-3 compliance—this is a requirement of the standard itself, not a limitation of the tooling. Any PDF with transparency must have those elements composited into opaque equivalents before it can be a valid PDF/X-3 file.

**What happens during flattening:**

*   Pages without transparency → Preserved as vectors (text, shapes remain editable)
*   Pages with transparency → Rasterized to bitmaps during conversion
*   Mixed content → Only transparent elements are rasterized

### Known Issue: Black Backgrounds During Flattening[#](#known-issue-black-backgrounds-during-flattening)

During the flattening process, certain elements with transparency may render with black backgrounds instead of their intended appearance. Affected elements include:

*   Gradients that fade to transparent
*   PNG images with alpha channels (e.g., stickers, icons)
*   Text with emoji characters
*   Overlapping semi-transparent elements

### Workaround: Preserve Transparency[#](#workaround-preserve-transparency)

If visual fidelity is more important than strict PDF/X-3 compliance, you can disable transparency flattening:

```
// Preserve transparency for better visual fidelityconst printReadyPDF = await convertToPDFX3(pdfBlob, {  outputProfile: 'fogra39',  title: 'Visual Fidelity Preserved',  flattenTransparency: false, // Preserves appearance but may not be strictly PDF/X-3 compliant});
```

### Trade-offs[#](#trade-offs)

| Setting | Visual Fidelity | PDF/X-3 Compliance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `flattenTransparency: true` (default) | May have artifacts | Strictly compliant |
| `flattenTransparency: false` | Preserved | May not validate if transparency exists |

### Designing for Print Compatibility[#](#designing-for-print-compatibility)

To ensure best results with PDF/X-3, design without transparency:

*   Use 100% opacity for all elements
*   Avoid PNG images with alpha channels
*   Use solid fills instead of gradients with opacity
*   Avoid gradients that fade to transparent
*   Export without blend modes

## Advanced: Custom ICC Profiles[#](#advanced-custom-icc-profiles)

Use printer-specific ICC profiles:

```
// Load custom ICC profile from your serverconst customProfile = await fetch('/path/to/custom.icc').then(r => r.blob());
const printReadyPDF = await convertToPDFX3(pdfBlob, {  outputProfile: 'custom',  customProfile: customProfile,  title: 'Custom Profile Export',  outputConditionIdentifier: 'Custom_CMYK_Profile',  outputCondition: 'Custom profile for specialized printing',});
```

This allows you to meet specific print vendor requirements that may not be covered by standard profiles.

## Troubleshooting[#](#troubleshooting)

### ”Input must be a Blob” Error[#](#input-must-be-a-blob-error)

**Problem:** Plugin reports invalid input type

**Solution:** Ensure CE.SDK export returns a Blob:

```
const blob = await cesdk.engine.block.export(sceneId, 'application/pdf');console.log(blob instanceof Blob); // Should be trueconsole.log(blob.size); // Should be > 0
```

If `blob.size === 0`, the CE.SDK export failed. Check for scene errors.

### Converted PDF is Much Larger[#](#converted-pdf-is-much-larger)

**Problem:** Output file is significantly larger than input

**Solution:** This is expected behavior:

*   ICC profiles add ~400-500KB (FOGRA39/GRACoL)
*   Transparency flattening may rasterize content
*   For smaller files, use `srgb` profile (digital-only)
*   Disable transparency flattening if no transparency exists: `flattenTransparency: false`

### Text Becomes Rasterized[#](#text-becomes-rasterized)

**Problem:** Text appears pixelated or blurry in output

**Solution:** Transparency flattening converts transparent pages to bitmaps. See [Transparency Handling](#transparency-handling) for details.

*   Avoid transparency in CE.SDK designs (use 100% opacity)
*   Don’t use alpha channel PNG images
*   Use solid fills instead of gradients with opacity
*   Or disable flattening: `flattenTransparency: false` if visual fidelity is more important than strict compliance

### Colors Look Different[#](#colors-look-different)

**Problem:** Colors appear different in exported PDF

**Solution:** This is expected when converting RGB to CMYK:

*   CMYK has a smaller color gamut than RGB
*   Some bright RGB colors cannot be reproduced in CMYK
*   Preview in CMYK-capable viewer (Adobe Acrobat) for accurate representation
*   For color-critical work, use CMYK values directly in CE.SDK designs

### Custom Button Doesn’t Appear[#](#custom-button-doesnt-appear)

**Problem:** Export button not visible in UI

**Solution:** Verify your button insertion code:

```
cesdk.ui.insertNavigationBarOrderComponent('last', {  id: 'ly.img.actions.navigationBar',  children: [    {      key: 'export-print-ready-pdf',      id: 'ly.img.action.navigationBar',      label: 'Export Print-Ready PDF',      iconName: '@imgly/Download',      onClick: async () => {        /* ... */      },    },  ],});
```

Check browser console for configuration errors. Ensure the button is added after CE.SDK initialization completes.

## Validating PDF/X-3 Compliance[#](#validating-pdfx-3-compliance)

Verify your exported PDFs meet print standards:

**Adobe Acrobat Pro:**

1.  Open converted PDF
2.  File → Properties → Description
3.  Should show “PDF version: 1.3 (PDF/X-3:2003)”
4.  File → Properties → Advanced
5.  Should show OutputIntent with ICC profile name

**Free online validators:**

*   [PDF/A-X Validator](https://www.pdf-online.com/osa/validate.aspx) - Upload and validate compliance
*   Check for PDF/X-3:2003 standard confirmation

**Command-line verification:**

Terminal window

```