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Fletch · #1 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 10:29 AM

We have a file from a customer created in Illustrator. It has drop shadows created in Illustrator. The artwork is 2-color 021 and Black. We placed the Illustrator EPS file into InDesign to create a PS file that we distill into a PDF. The resulting PDF looks perfect. However, when we print to our Konicka C6500 with Creo RIP, the Drop shadows all disappear. Also, when we send this through our EFI OneFlow uninmposed, it looks great. When we impose it, the drop shadows disappear. Is this an Illustrator issue?

pmkprog · #2 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 11:56 AM

If you were to preview the plates in Acrobat are they ok to start with?

Meaning the seps are on the right channels and nothing is going to CMYK that shouldn't.

I've seen PDFs preview fine and then when the other RIP systems get a hold of them spot colors do weird things.

Earendil · #3 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 12:08 PM

Drop shadows are transparent. When you print to PS you flatten transparency. If you save as PDF from illustrator the transparency sill stay intact and your RIP should be able to flatten it correctly. If you do decide to stick with the PS, you should mess with the flattening settings.

Also, I have seen problems like this when using a drop shadow over a spot color which later gets converted to CMYK. If you are printing in spot you may try converting your spot to just magenta and let the pressman ink up the magenta plate with the spot color. It will look funny on screen but it does work in a pinch.

mc_hristel · #4 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 05:43 PM

I think Earendil has the best solution, and if you have to, convert the spot color to process(like Magenta). Spot colors are renderd as 4color when they touch transparency and that can be a big headache.

beermonster · #5 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 01:37 AM

i agree - we use this method as well

if you have an illy file placing that in indy and creating ps sounds a little odd to me (excuse my ignorance - i'm sure you have good reasons) - but as said before - just save as a pdf out of illy and it will be fine. you can always place that in indy as well if need be, but ps and transparency dont mix well - so pdf1.4 or greater saves the transparency - keeps it "live". its a better way to do it.

Fletch · #6 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 04:39 AM

After further investigation we discovered, in fact, the artwork wasn't using the drop shadow function. They were placing off-set solids with an inner glow and a 30% transparency. If they had used the drop shadow, it would've worked fine.

We have done the trick with converting to Magenta, however that doesn't do any good for making a proof.

All in all, we got it to work.