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Lefkoff · #1 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 08:45 AM

Mac OSX 10.4.9 • ID CS2 4.0.5

I am often sent InDesign files from our Chicago office to review for file building errors before they go to the printer. I have noticed that to make their type appear gray they were making type 4 color instead of say 80% black only. After repeatedly calling and bitching I noticed that the problem was actually getting worse instead of better. They would swear to me that the gray type they were setting was say 60%, 70%, or 80% of black only. I discovered that when I opened up their files on my computer it is converting it to four color type.

My appearance of black settings are set exactly the same as our printer. When the printer opens the same file they get black only type... not four color. Only files opened on my machine seem to be doing this conversion to four color.

My appearance of black is set as...
• Display Blacks Accurately
• Display Blacks Accurately
• Overprinting Black is checked

The test file we used was set up like this...
1) The first block of copy was set as black text at 50%
2) The second block of copy was set as black text at 70%
3) The third block of copy was set as black text using a 50% tint swatch
4) The fourth block of copy was set as black text using a 70% tint swatch

The results....
1) The first block of copy No Change Text O.K.
2) The second block of copy No Change Text O.K.
3) The third block of copy CONVERTED TO 40/29/27/01
4) The fourth block of copy CONVERTED TO 56/44/41/09

Does anyone know what is going on or how to fix this? It is driving me nuts.
ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED!!

DCurry · #2 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 09:06 AM

What about other colors - anything happening to them? Check the tint swatches - make sure they are set correctly, since that seems to be where the change occurs.

almaink · #3 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 09:14 AM

Check to see if you have color management on and if you do what it's set to. Working in an RGB color space could also do it.

Lefkoff · #4 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 09:32 AM

I have my color setting syncronized in bridge and they are set as follows...

Working Spaces:
RGB: Adobe RGB (1998)
CMYK: U.S. Sheetfed Coated v2

Color Management Policies:
RGB: Convert to Working Space
CMYK: Convert to Working Space

Profile Mismatches and Missing profiles: all unchecked

Conversion Options
Engine: Adobe (ACE)
Intent: Relative Colorimetric
Black Point Compaensation is checked

I guess I should have stated earlier that EVERYTHING we do is CMYK and headed to a sheetfed press in the USA.

Again, any help would be appreciated

sauce · #5 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 09:52 AM

My color settings are default (North America General Purpose 2) but I don't think thats your problem.

DCurry · #6 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 12:22 PM

All the offending type is set in InDesign, correct?

Try turning off CM in InDesign.

Also, maybe post the test file for us to open up and inspect.

Lefkoff · #7 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 12:35 PM

I checked with our printers and got their settings for Color Management. Once I switched to their settings it seems to have fixed the problem. I will note the changes below for anyone who might find this helpful.

My Previous Color Management
Working Spaces:
1) RGB: Adobe RGB (1998)
2) CMYK: U.S. Sheetfed Coated v2

Color Management Policies:
3) RGB: Convert to Working Space
4) CMYK: Convert to Working Space

5) Profile Mismatches and Missing profiles: all unchecked

Conversion Options
6) Engine: Adobe (ACE)
7) Intent: Relative Colorimetric
8) Black Point Compaensation is checked

Printer's Color Management
Working Spaces:
1) RGB: Adobe RGB (1998)
2) CMYK: U.S. Sheetfed Coated v2

Color Management Policies:
3) RGB: Preserve Embedded Profiles
4) CMYK: Preserve Embedded Profiles

5) Profile Mismatches and Missing profiles: all unchecked

Conversion Options
6) Engine: Adobe (ACE)
7) Intent: Perceputal
8) Black Point Compaensation is checked

Items 3,4,7 were different from mine.
I freak'n hate color management. Every time I think I have it figure out it bights me in the a$$.

Sparky · #8 (**permalink**) 05-29-2007, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lefkoff

My appearance of black settings are set exactly the same as our printer. When the printer opens the same file they get black only type... not four color. Only files opened on my machine seem to be doing this conversion to four color.

My appearance of black is set as...
• Display Blacks Accurately
• Display Blacks Accurately
• Overprinting Black is checked!!

I see a problem right here. It shoulde be:
•Display Blacks as Rich Blacks
•Output Blacks Accurately
•Overprint Black at 100% (checked)