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Preflight variables (Acrobat Pro)

Last updated on 21 December 2023 | Also applies to Adobe Acrobat 2017, Adobe Acrobat 2020

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About preflight variables

The preflight variables are self-contained data objects that can be used to develop flexible and powerful workflows. It enables you to change the values of checks and fixups without changing the profile. The variables make it possible to check information or fix up at the time of execution of the profile, instead of having to predefine such information. A major advantage of using variables is the option to postpone the checks or fixups for processing PDFs to the moment when processing is started. You take a preflight profile and configure different jobs, each performing a different operation based on the variables you add in the job definition. You can choose different values for the operation each time.

Many aspects of preflight, such as profiles, checks, and fixups, can be handled through variables. Variables can be used to configure the following:

On/off switch for checks and fixups inside a profile.
Change severity for checks, and fixups.
Browse for various options of pop-up menus.
Fields of type checkbox, pop-up, or input fields for text or numbers.
Name and description field.

You can access the variable option while editing a preflight profile, checks, or fixups. When you select the variable icon, a list of variables is shown. The variable used in the current context (profile, checks, or fixups) is shown first, followed by all the variables in the current library.

Create variable

In Acrobat Home, select See all tools > Use print production > Preflight.
In the Preflight dialog box, select the Profiles panel, and select Edit next to the profile name you want to edit.
Select the variable icon.
Select New Variable. The Preflight: New Variable dialog box is displayed.
Specify the following parameters for the new variable:
- Key: To configure values in profiles, checks, or fixups.
- Label: Used in the user interface. For example, in the Preflight: Specify Variable Values dialog box.
- Type: Type of value for which the variable is used.
- Default Value: The default value to be used unless a different value is specified at runtime.
- Limit input values to specific values: To define the scope of particular values a variable can take.
- List: Select a list of values for the variable at runtime.
- Show evaluation results: To check whether a given value is acceptable for the variable.
Select OK.

Assign variables

In the Preflight dialog box, select the Select single checks option, and then select Options > Create Check.
Under the Property section, select the property and select Add.
Select the variable icon, and then select New variable.
Create a New Variable and specify the value. To assign the value to the added property, select a variable from the list of all variable keys.

The variable key is displayed as <key: value> in the respective field (for text input fields or pop-up menus) or next to it (for checkboxes).

Note:

The variable option is not available for all the properties.
Select OK.

Unassign variables

To unassign a variable, remove the entry in the text input field. To select a different variable, select the variable icon and select a variable.

Run profiles with variables

When you run a profile, check, or fixup that contains one or more variables for which input is needed, the Preflight: Specify Variable Value dialog box is displayed.