Very large Postscript files ( e.g. 10x2 meter ) can be converted by Ghostscript. But when PDF is generated, no UserUnit is used. So the generated PDF can not be viewed by the Acrobat Reader, which limits the size ( 200 inch ) of PDF files, when no UserUnit is specified. It would be an enhancement, if UserUnit would be used when the MediaSize exceeds 200 inch.
Created attachment 5398 [details] ps_XXL_l.ps example for a large Postscript file with 10x2 meter
Does setting the resolution manually to a value less than -r720 (the default) allow a viewable PDF to be generated? I thought we automatically set the resolution down when the MediaBox was large, but I am going from memory, nothaving checked.
> Does setting the resolution manually to a value less than -r720 (the default) > allow a viewable PDF to be generated? No. The problem is that Acrobat has an implementation limit (this is an *Acrobat* limit, not PDF) of 14,400 units in any dimension for page sizes. Hence 200 inches because the standard unit is 1/72 inch. The user unit is a kludge to allow larger media sizes, by defining the user unit to be something other than 1/72 inch. (Of course the accuracy of placement potentially suffers) Why Adobe found it easier to introduce the user unit rather than increase the maximum media size I have no idea. The implications for us are massive; every size, position or matrix operation, as well as any objects referenced from the page with their own matrix (such as forms or patterns) would have to be rescaled to take account of the current user unit. Its a lot of work, and would undoubtedly introduce many regressions. Also its not supported below PDF 1.6 and we nominally produce PDF 1.4. I'm happy to leave it as an enhancement request, but don't plan on tackling it any time soon.
*** Bug 691879 has been marked as a duplicate of this bug. ***
Won't fix, see Comment 3.