Images with Transparent Background (Printing Issue) 1

[DesignOnADime]

Hello.

I understand this issue may have been answered, or a similar issue occured and was answered on this board.

However, I have not been able to find a specific answer to my specific issue.

ALL and ANY help is appreciated beyond words.

Issue: Edited an image in Photoshop, and erased background. The image has a transparent background. I "Place" the file in an Illustrator document (with a blue background) as either a PSD (Photoshop Document) or PNG (Portable Networks Graphic). It looks GREAT on screen, and looks good when editing for website. However, when saved as a PDF and taken to OfficeMax to print, there is a slightly transparent box around image. This will prove to be HUGE issue down the line. I'll be sending files to VistaPrint.com for mass printing, and can't have this issue. Is there a simple solution or cause of this issue?

I have taken the time to thoroughly explain my issue (with pictures as examples) and posted on my site.

Here is the hyperlink:

http://www.workshops4youth.com/transparencyissue/

You can reply via forum, or by e-mail (at bottom of page).

I really appreciate help. If this issue was exactly explained already, please point me to the proper thread.

This is my first post, and I am a bit overwhelmed. Kindness is appreciated.

-Matthew
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Computer Info: Mac OS 10.4.9. Adobe CS 2 (PS, Ill, ID, and GL). **New to Adobe CS 2** Technical Level: Intermediate. All help is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[carlow]

Was your ai document in RGB or CMYK?

Is the blue color a CMYK mix or a spot color?

What is the document color mode RGB or CMYK?

How did you create your PDF?

It can be a number of things...

carlow

 

[DesignOnADime]

AI document is in CMYK.

The blue color is a CMYK mix (straight from the CMYK palette).

Document color code is in CMYK.

I created the PDF by going to FILE > SAVE AS... > Selecting the option to save as PDF. When the dialogue appears about PDF conversion, I choose to save under the Illustrator Default settings (no conversion of images).

As mentioned in my link, I did just change the Document Raster Effect settings so that my images were of 300 ppi (whereas before they were at the lowest ppi).

Thank you!

Computer Info: Mac OS 10.4.9. Adobe CS 2 (PS, Ill, ID, and GL). **New to Adobe CS 2** Technical Level: Intermediate. All help is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[jmgalvin]

I'm assuming that the photo is also cmyk.

The pic almost looks like you have a stroke applied to the blue box but I'm assuming its the print.

When you save as pdf, you might try picking the Press preset. That will make the pdf compatible with Adobat 4 rather then 5 and flatten the thing which usually prevents transparency problems as long as your AI transparency flattenr is set to high. The Press setting - compression wise - is all you need and what is used for commercial print. When you get the pdf export box, click on the Advanced and make sure that transparency flattener is set to high.

You can also try selecting the box and kid and, on object menu, select Flatten. Use high.

To preview stuff go to window menu and flattener preview. make sure you hit the refresh button.

Using OSX 10.3.9 on a G4

 

[DesignOnADime]

JMGALVIN,

Thank you for your suggestion.

I am going to try this and take it to OfficeMax to see if this is the solution!

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Computer Info: Mac OS 10.4.9. Adobe CS 2 (PS, Ill, ID, and GL). **New to Adobe CS 2** Technical Level: Intermediate. All help is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[DesignOnADime]

ISSUE SOLVED!!!!!!!!!!

Following jmgalvin's advice, I flattened the transparency and saved the PDF under Press Quality.

THIS worked when printed at OfficeMax!

THANKS FOR EVERYONE'S EFFORTS AND TO JMGALVIN FOR THE SOLVE TO THE PUZZLE.

-Matthew

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Computer Info: Mac OS 10.4.9. Adobe CS 2 (PS, Ill, ID, and GL). **New to Adobe CS 2** Technical Level: Intermediate. All help is greatly appreciated!!!