🚀 go-pugleaf

In the July 2002 issue of the Acumen Journal, John Deubert outlines the use of SubFileDecode in multi-page PostScript documents as a way of continuing with Distiller or in a print run despite the appearance of PS errors in the document. The method is generally summarized as follows.

currentfile 0 (*End*) /SubFileDecode filter cvx stopped

% PS code

* End* { % error proc } if

It's a good method, and can be used with whatever granularity desired, from page to graphic. Distiller will process the PostScript and if it encounters an error, discard the erroneous code and continue interpreting the document.

Unfortunately, the use of EPS files within the PostScript results in Distiller apparently "forgetting" that cvx has been stopped and terminating the document. This includes Illustrator EPS. I attempted to use the BeginPage/EndPage variations described in the July, 2001 issue of the Acumen Journal, but I ran into the same problem.

Now, there are various references to "cvx" within the prologue to most Illustrator EPS files. By using the SubFileDecode method at the end of the prologue, then invoking *End* before the EPS showpage, I can persuade Distiller to behave as expected. Unfortunately, this is not an acceptable method of handling EPS files; they should remain untouched in PostScript output except by the methods bracketing the EPS inclusion.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.