DSC2 files in Illustrator CS3?

[oldschool]

I would upgrade in a heartbeat if I can now place DCS2 files in Illustrator. Does anyone know if this is now an option? I keep seeing the word "Seamlessly" in all the CS3 ads.
Thanks!

[beermonster]

dumm question - as documented in many many places in PPF - why not resave the dcs files to psd? you can place em sure as my digital cromalin screws up reflex blue!

it works a dream (not the cromalin reflex blue thing - placing psd files)

its been a long day (sigh)

[oldschool]

The sarcasm has not helped but i hope you feel better.
I have a client who supplies DCS2 files, yes I can convert them, but when archiving final files and returning them... they are not what was rendered.

Originally Posted by oldschool

The sarcasm has not helped but i hope you feel better.
I have a client who supplies DCS2 files, yes I can convert them, but when archiving final files and returning them... they are not what was rendered.

I feel your pain beermonster.. my whole week was that way.

As for the file type question, why not convert them to best suit your production needs - and explain to the client why you must do such.
I'm sure it could be worked out. If there's a good working relationship that is.
.pds's are no crime.

Vee

[beermonster]

i wasnt being sarcastic at all :? . have a peek around in the forums and dcs files have had plenty of threads about the good and bad of them.

if converting them is a pain - maybe use an action - fairly straightforward to record i'd say, and let the mac do the work.

if the customer is a long standing one perhaps, like vee said, you could work with them and explain why psd files would be more helpful in getting them a better/more consistent/cheaper product. this is an excellent way of building relationships with clients as they feel guided as opposed to left alone waiting for the "bloody designers" which inevitably comes.

if they understand why they will probably be more responsive to doing it.

psd files are excellent in the cs2(soon3) environment, with maximum flexibility and compatibility. if i could have layered photoshop files for all of my images in the stuff i deal with i would - it would make life so much easier when/if there's an issue with the image and it needs editing.

now - as for my cromalin screwing up reflex blue - anyone have a large hammer? i need to "adjust" a few things......

[oldschool]

Educating customers will never end, I know this all too well.
Unfortunately this is a larger client (one that knows they can push us around) who wants something that can't be done.
If CS3 will allow me to place and use DCS2 files, with out previewing 1 pixel per square mile, they will get what they want and I will get what I want (them off my back).
That's all I need to know. If I can I am on the 3 bandwagon.
Thanks.

why would they step backwards with a new version... dcs is out - psd & pdf are in.
but i guess that might be "new school"

[jctremblay]

Even if DCS 1.0 or 2.0 might not be the file format of the day, and that people are succesfully using PSD or PDF as a workaround when placing them in Illustartor, the good news for CS3 for thoses you have lot of legacy file, is that CS3 add an amazing support for DCS.

- First you can place any decently create DCS files.
- You can preview them in high resolution by using Overprint preview
- You can create EPS of PDF and the separated plate are recombined.
- You can add transparency over them, and you will still be able to create full composite
- You still cannot embed them. (not a big problem since you never need to!)

Others benefits that come to my mind of added support for device-n in cs3 are:
- Full suport of spot color in mesh (spot to spot, spot to process)
- The ability to apply photoshop raster effect in CMYK mode (remember thoses effect only available in RGB)

[beermonster]

if that's the case and cs3 is now ok with dcs files then thats a good mod in the new version, but i see the new school trend from desighners going down pdf and psd route. with smart objects, version cue, transparency without clipping paths, editable layered files and the interactivity between apps - its a much more flexible approach - modern or not. i dont see psd/pdf as a workaround but a workflow - its just more flexible as a design/prepress approach.

i think the old school way will/has a limited shelf life, but it's a good move by adobe to improve their dcs compatibility - albeit a little late - but then quack still bury their heads in sand on the dcs thing.

so there's your solution - use cs3. we'll probably get the teething issues as usual and all learn the real workarounds then but thats standard for all prepressers.

[haushold]

When placing DCS2 files in Illy CS3 pieces and parts are not coming in - they show as black . . . Has anyone else seen this?

Thanks!