check to see that only certain colors are in a document 2

[myatia]

Hi,

I was wondering if there is a way to check and see that only specified colors are in a document. I'm doing a three color job (two PMS colors and black), and I want to make sure that an extra CYMK or different Pantone didn't get in there accidently. Is there a simple way to find out, perhaps something built into Illustrator (I'm running 10) or some freeware? As far as I can tell, my only other alternative is to go through everything and make sure it's the right colors. If anyone has any ideas, I'd really appreciate hearing them.

Thanks!

Misty

 

[blueark]

Go to File > Separation Setup...

The first time you use this, you may be asked to set up a PPD - there's a few sample ones in the Illustrator application folder. By default, only the separations used in your document have a printer icon beside them.

 

[thombathe]

Hi Myatia
If you click on the arrow on the right in the swatch menu you can select all unused colors then delete them, this will show you all the pantone colors and custom colors used in the job.

Thom

The longest jounney starts with the first step.

http://www.thombathe.com

 

[myatia]

Thanks, Thom! That's exactly what I was looking for. I had some crazy schemes rigged up, like saving it as an EPS and then opening it in InDesign, but your solution does the same thing without all that nonsense.

Misty

 

[blueark]

Actually, that isn't true. Sorry!

First, it doesn't always catch every color not used.

Second, if a swatch color is used in a brush or a style, it may not delete it, because it thinks it's still in use.

And finally, even if it does catch all the colors that aren't used, it will only catch ones that have swatches defined. If you have a shape that's colored directly with the color palette, it won't necessarily be in the swatch palette, and therefore it won't be deleted this way.

The Separation method is by far the most reliable way of determining what way your file will work.

 

[myatia]

When I tried doing the separation thing, it told me there was pink in my document. The three colors I'm using are black, a navy blue, and an aqua, so I'd think the pink would show up really well, yet I don't see any. What's up with that?

Also, if that or any other naughty color sneaks in, what's the best way to find out where it is? Is there a way I can print a PDF with only my two PMS colors and black to see if anything is being left off? Or is there an easier way to do this?

Thanks for everyone's help! I'm a web designer, and my company foolishly thinks that they should just have me do all their print stuff as well instead of hiring someone who knows what they're doing.

Misty

 

[blueark]

Firstly, could you list all the colors that are showing up in separations? Also, when you say 'pink', do you mean 'magenta'? Do your navy and aqua colors have individual entries?

Setting up spot colors in Illustrator can be tricky, but with if you give me those details, I can probably give you a few ideas.

Keep in mind that even something that looks white can show up as an extra separation - it could be a 0% tint, or it may be an empty text path.

One thing you could try is hiding objects that you know are ok until you find the offending color. It's not as time consuming as it sounds - simply pick one object, go to Select > Same > Fill & Stroke, and check what colors are being used (both for the fill and the stroke). If they're ok, go to Object > Hide > Hide Selection (you'll probably prefer to use the shortcut key). Continue until you find the culprit. Also try Object > Path > Cleanup to get rid of any unused artwork.