Photoshop Esko workflow

[wesley]

OK, Here is an odd one. We have a client who likes to build everything in a layered photoshop file including vector and text data. Anyone have a workflow or experience and is somewhat successful with this? Thanks

[Mojo1]

We link psd files to illustrator files quite frequently. The Illy files are exported out as EPF files then sucked into a Backstage workflow. Do you have any specific issues?

[wesley]

I really have not done much testing, but I was hoping somehow to keep text and other items as vector when exported to esko through "launch task" if the layered psd file is placed in a CS2 Illustrator file. So far it seems those items become raster. I am not a programmer and do not know the inner workings of Photoshop. Most who I have asked cannot understand why I would like to keep some of the items vector. Those folks have been contone experts and don't want to know the first thing about assembly and workflows. They generally run the first time Esko is mentioned. The documentation for Photoshop explains how this works "when exporting to Postscript" and how it is just wonderful. If there is more than 4 channels in the psd file, of course this will not work at all (as of now). I suppose this is a workflow most would not even consider, but I thought I would ask.

[Mojo1]

Depending on what Task your launching, you could have the task conturize the fonts. If its a workflow task outta Deskpack, make sure the "normalize" piece of the ticket in Backstage has the conturize fonts toggle check, this would result in a outlined scope pdf.

[bobbyc]

wesley,
This is something we would love to do as well. We typically link in a layered PSD into our GRS/PDF Native file. Being able to bring that in and contourize the text would be amazing. I remember trying this a couple years back with no success. If I have some time this week I'll play around with it, too.

Let me know if you make any progress. Are you using the EPF to make the move into the Scope workflow? I know there are a couple versions to choose from when exporting EPF manually from AI... but not in the Backstage tickets. (Odd.) I haven't looked into what the different versions do differently, but it might offer something...

[wesley]

The official answer from Esko is no go on the live text. The only way I was able to get line elements from the psd file is to save eps or pdf, then place in your CS2 document. It's funny how we get pushed towards these new workflows from Adobe, then only half of your work can actually go that way. I went back to using OPI for DCS2 images placed in CS2 because the high res placed in your Illus document look so incredibly wrong, even though they do work on Launch Task. Apparently in Scope 3, the spot channels in your Layered psd file are honored now, but there are new issues while working in pdf mode. Hopefully we upgrade soon and get on another learning/R&D curve.

[bobbyc]

Yeah, we're really anxious for this Adobe-Esko bridge to be completely finished. We're waiting for the day where the same PDF can be edited with either software, and all information associated with the file stays with it... (LPI, angles, layers, XMP, etc...)