PDF version 1.7 by default?

[Boris Veytsman]

KB> Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2025 16:04:37 -0700
KB> From: Karl Berry <karl at freefriends.org>

KB> Ulrike tells me the PDF Association is now recommended that the default
KB> PDF output be version 1.7, and suggests that TeX Live follow suit. Right
KB> now our formats are set up to output PDF 1.5 by default.

KB> Does anyone know of specific practical compatibility problems that might
KB> ensue if we switch to 1.7 by default? I know there can be problems "in
KB> theory". But does anyone know of resulting problems in practice?

I typeset a book for PEN Ukraine, and their printer asked for 1.5 (I
did 2.0 for the tagged version).  They said they did not support 1.7.

Admittedly Ukrainian printers may use older equipment and software.

I'd sugest switching to 1.7 and add an explicit explanation about
producing 1.5 in the documentation.


-- 
Good luck

-Boris