emergency help needed... 2

[coldfused]

guys i need to learn how to color seperate a file today..i just found out that the printer i am doing a freelance job with wants the file color seperated..unfortunatly these are the things they teach in school so i have to learn this on the fly, today!

this is what i'm doing..

20 page catalog
full color process
bleeds
pagemaker or illustrator eps he wants
no quark ( i know this sux, but not my deal, client has to go through this printer )

i have a complete understanding of everything and can do this in my sleep..the only thing i haven't done yet is color seperate a file in illustrator..


PLEASE HELP!

carlsatterwhite@orlandomediasolutions.com

 

[blueark]

Color separation is the job of the print driver/RIP software rather than Illustrator. As long your files are CMYK throughout, there shouldn't be any problems. A few points though:

1) Unlike Quark, Illustrator does not support multiple page documents, so you'll have to supply 1 file per page/spread. You may have to check with your printer to see if he's looking for printers pairs too (ie. page 20 & 1 in one file, 2 & 19 in the next, etc.)

2) If you are adding cropmarks manually, make sure they are colored 'Registration' rather than black so they will appear on all separations.

I'm suprised at your client's printer, though. Where I work, some of our client's send in Illustrator EPSs and they're really inconvenient compared with Quark. Like you say, it sux, but best of luck anyway!

 

[coldfused]

yeh i got a good ways on this after posting i did a ton of research..it seems that i needed to install a post script driver for my machine to have the seperation option open up in illustrator..so i go to adobe and download the driver, and install it..but no good..for some reason i still can't get it to work..on the install i'm not able to find a certain printer it's looking for..at adobe they say that your to choose the acrobat distiller? couldn't find that no where..well actually i did for about 5000.00 i think it was..

does anyone know how i can set up my epson 980 to be a postscript printer..i know it will not actually print like that but atleast where i can start seperating the files in illustrator?

carlsatterwhite@orlandomediasolutions.com

 

[blueark]

Sorry, I didn't realise you wanted to print the separations yourself... To turn your epson into a postscript printer you need RIP software. Epson sell such software for many of their printers so I'd check with them first.

 

[askIllustrator]

Heres the thing, even if you did print your separations on the epson, they would not be whats considered camera ready. In your original post you said your printer needs only the file, in which case you can just send them what ever you have. Most printers have their own output people who should know what to do with your file. If they dont then they are getting it regularly from somewhere else in which case you try and get in contact with them to send them the file directly. BEHOLD! As Steve Jobs introduces us the latest in desk-lamp technology!

http://www.apple.com

 

[coldfused]

I understand JAQUAN, i was just wanting to learn this process..turned out that the printer did not need the seperation, was some mis communication on there part..But I would however like to learn how to set up my system where I can do seperations, one so I can learn, two so I can save money in the future..

So if you would and if you know how, can you walk me through this process on how to set up my epson to be a post script printer?..I do not want to print the seperations, I would just like to learn, and have someone willing to take the time to show me how..

That is what your here to do right?.Instead of giving all these half ass responses that you give, answer the questions and share you knowledge or don't even bother..

Thanks for your time anyways..You've been a no help..

carlsatterwhite@orlandomediasolutions.com

 

[blueark]

Ok, the RIP software you need is EPSON StylusRIP Adobe PostScript Software and it's about $145. It seems to be compatible with the 980.

Acrobat Distiller is part of the Adobe Acrobat package, and it can create separations for you, among other things, without the need for the above software. It's about $250, but many people buy it as part of a collection with Illustrator and Photoshop, making considerable savings.

The actual process will depend on your software, but it's usually very simple, like a checkbox that says 'Print Separations'. HOWEVER, like JAQUAN quite rightly pointed out, to actually make use of these separations, you will need something better than your epson. It may be able to print out the separations, but your printer probably won't be able to use them. Sometimes, if you print them on mellotex or something, you might have some luck, but I doubt it, not with an inkjet anyway.

Most printers that require separations will request film, which realistically will need an extremely expensive imagesetter, but there is a growing trend for them to bypass this stage anyway, either outputting direct to plate, or by going digital. So I wouldn't recommend that you waste your time learning this process either -- it's really not going to save you any money.

Hope this helps!

 

[coldfused]

Indeed it did..

carlsatterwhite@orlandomediasolutions.com

 

[askIllustrator]

I beleive I answered enough of your question to get the job done which is actually what I'm here for, not to teach you things that require most people to go to school for. If this stuff was that easy we certainly wouldn't need these forums would we? It's not rocket science but it does require a little dillagence on your part. Frankly I'm a little suprised you're taking work already without such cursury knowledge as color separating, you'll be swamped if anyone every asks for something to be spot separated.

Now as far as printing goes maybe first you should read my FAQS to familiarize yourself with postscript and why you should live by it (also a good idea to read before flaming ). Outputting separations is as simple as installing your printer in windows and assigning the correct PPD (postscript printer description) in the applications separation dialoge (usually found in the print dialoge). If you do not have the correct PPD and cannot find it on the manufacturers web site, your printer is likely not a postscript printer (see FAQ). If you have an inkjet, bubblejet, deskjet or anything other than laser, you likely dont have a postscript printer. If you get to spend some time around the press and see how plates are made you will learnt the importance of laser quality output which is why I said originally that you could probably not generate separations, even if you did know how. BEHOLD! As Steve Jobs introduces us the latest in desk-lamp technology!

http://www.apple.com

 

[coldfused]

No offense jaquan I really just need to learn this..I did goto school and I have graduated, but these are the things that they don't teach you in school..

I do not want to print seperations I just want to know how to seperate a illustrator file..I have found out as you guys have mentioned that I need to set up my printer as a postscript printer..I have a epson 980, and yes it is a ink jet..So i'm guessing I can't set it up as a postscript printer..

Thats fine and i am ok with this, will buy another printer soon enough..

Why would I take on jobs without knowing this?. I have to.. I have a family to support and know one wants to hire someone straight out of school, because of the lack of knowledge such as this case right here.. So i learn on my own and progress daily while working my day job, and not sleeping at night.. The last two years at school I have had my head in the internet, almost mastered that..Know to complete my company I need to finish up with my print learning.. And that time is now..

So thanks alot for your time, just remember..We are all not as progressed as you, but if I have been doing this as long as you, I better know as much as you..You know what i'm saying?.So don't think that you are beyond everything..Others are probably as smart as you, just haven't had that much experience..

When I get to the time spent on print that you have, I am confident that I will know as much..

And by the way, there is nothing in your faq's that speak of this topic in specifics..

carlsatterwhite@orlandomediasolutions.com

 

[askIllustrator]

None taken virt, I would never discourage anyone from asking questions, thats how I learned. I've had a few people beg me to teach them something only to have them find out how hard it is and give up. It doesnt anger me that they waisted my time so much as that I didn't get to finish what I started. It's jaded me into carefully selecting those who I choose to spend a large chunk of time on. And I'm afraid a large chunk of time would be required to give you a good understanding. Part of how I select people to teach is based on what they have done for themselves. Most of time I get your question from those who have done nothing to educate themselves so it makes it hard for me to want to. I didn't realize that you were coming at this from a different angle and we are merely crossing paths, not playing catch up. My skills are the only source of pride I have left so I tend to milk it, but that does not mean I would ever aim to horde them or lord over others. It's my personal mission to spread what I've learned which is the true reason I attend this board but I am running on fumes so I appologize if I get snide or wordy. BEHOLD! As Steve Jobs introduces us the latest in desk-lamp technology!

http://www.apple.com

 

[coldfused]

So are you saying that you will teach me all I need to know about print?.I would appreciate this more than any of whom you have shared you knowledge with..

I am asking because I need this more than anything else right now..With this I will be set, and can go on and make my company a success..I need this, and I need some help..Maybe just a little at a time..Or maybe just start an indepth faq that I can read as you go until you are finished..

I would gladly repay whatever you share with some web work..Whatever you need as far as the internet goes I can do it..

carlsatterwhite@orlandomediasolutions.com

 

[askIllustrator]

Ah yes, In my rambling I forgot to meantion that yes I would and do consider you worth while. I think maybe a faq would be the way to go but forgive me I take a day or two to post it but if there's anything specific bugging you go ahead and post it. BEHOLD! As Steve Jobs introduces us the latest in desk-lamp technology!

http://www.apple.com

 

[coldfused]

I have tons of questions we'd be here all night..Will look for your faq and in the mean time if I need something i'll come look for ya..

Thanks alot man..

Off to bed now, back in the morning..

carlsatterwhite@orlandomediasolutions.com

 

[askIllustrator]

I got the first part of the FAQ written BEHOLD! As Steve Jobs introduces us the latest in desk-lamp technology!

http://www.apple.com

 

[coldfused]

Now see that is what I need jAQUAN..

Thank you very much and can't wait for the next part..

carlsatterwhite@orlandomediasolutions.com

 

[coldfused]

Patiently waiting jAQUAN..You must be busy..

Just letting you know i'm still here..

carlsatterwhite@orlandomediasolutions.com

 

[askIllustrator]

Desperatly trying to remove head from arse... BEHOLD! As Steve Jobs introduces us the latest in desk-lamp technology!

http://www.apple.com