Problems printing placed gradient mesh graphics

CS3 Illustrator and InDesign. Whenever a drawing is created in Illustrator using gradient mesh, and placed into an InDesign document, our printer (Ricoh Aficio 2232C with postscript) all the gradient mesh areas print from InDesign as solid black. I have tried changing every print setting I can think of, but it always comes out the same.
There are workarounds of course (like saving the illustration as a tiff) but I'd like to work with the original file if possible. Any ideas in how I can proceed in fixing this?

I wouldn't worry too much about trying to keep the original file intact. ... Of course you should, but there is nothing wrong with making a version "specially for print". It takes some discipline in that you have to edit the original file and always remember to save a flattened copy to update in your document.
You have to consider there are printers out there (the guys with the weathered faces and hot lead-resistant calluses, not the buzzing, ink-eating and paper spitting type -- okay, maybe they do that as well) with older RIP software or hardware that may have similar problems with very (very) complicated graphics. It's better to play safe than to re-make your image until it can just be processed by your own local printer.

Similar Messages

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    On screen everything looks as it should, but when printed the shape with the gradient mesh doesn't come out correctly. It appears as a solid grey shape.
    The strainge thing about this is that I have used this file several times before as a templete (for a product line) and never had an issue...

    The printer gradient and meshes option did not do anything.
    We also do not print directly from illustrator, we import this file into indesign and then we export as a finalized pdf to print. We have narrowed the problem down to the mesh gradient that was used in the file created in illustrator.
    The mesh gradiant on the right side of the swoop in the black bar below "demon" is not turning to complete black where it should when we print. It almost looks like there is a gradiant on that side, which there isnt. It prints out as gray instead of black. When we printed the file directly from illustrator it seemed to mirror the gradiant over the whole black area to the right of the swoop.
    Can you apply the printer gradiant and gradiant meshes option that you showed us in the printer dialog box to exports?

  • Gradient mesh transparency problem when saving for web

    Hi,
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    ...and aside from what Monika said, consider the limitations of transparency handling in web image formats as well as what impact the differences in handling of transparancies between browsers may have on the web site design.
    Mylenium

  • Can I use Gradient Mesh tool as a template to create a 3D looking graphic?

    I am attempting to make a similar graphic with this 3D  appearance , using AI CS5.1
    The nature of how the gradient mesh tool appears would achieve the desired effect.
    I am trying to find a way, to capture and/ or add a stroke to the gradient mesh framework (seen in red) and/or save the mesh as an object.
    Suggestions most appreciated
    Thank you.
    ~design_element

    design element,
    This forum is the right place to be told that there is no such way, and then some suggestions:
    http://forums.adobe.com/community/illustrator/illustrator_general?view=discussions

  • Can the Gradient Mesh Tool "web" be converted to an object to create 3D looking graphics?

    I am attempting to make a similar graphic with this 3D  appearance , using AI CS5.1
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    I am trying to find a way, to capture and/ or add a stroke to the gradient mesh framework (seen in red) and/or save the mesh as an object.
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    Assuming you're not going to do some very precise scientific studies, you may want to create rectangular grids and experiment with Envelopes (located in the Object menu).

  • Is it possible to create a gradient mesh object with 2 spot colors which separates & prints as a 2 color print job?

    I have a gradient mesh object which uses 2 spot color values (including some tints of those 2 colours) which I'd like to print as a 2 color print job. Is this possible? If not, any suggestions as to how I should proceed? The print job MUST be 2 color. Ideally I don't want to use raster objects but if I have to would appreciate any advice on the easiest way to transform my 2 color mesh object into a matching duotone raster object.

    I'd really say it's that PPD with the new n-space features of CS3 and CS4. If I use your PPD I get the same shoddy results you do with the postscript file. In fact, Acrobat Distiller errors with a log...
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    PDF/X Compliance Report
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       The following pages are separated plates:
          Page 1, Occurrences: 1
          Page 2, Occurrences: 1
          Page 3, Occurrences: 1
          Page 4, Occurrences: 1
       Violation.  The use of %%PlateColor is not permitted and was found in the document.  Occurrences: 7
       Violations: The total found in this section was 11.
    2.  Summary
       Warnings: The total found in this document was 0.
       Violations: The total found in this document was 11.
       This document does not pass PDF/X-1a:2001 compliance checks.
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    %%[ Warning: Did not pass PDF/X compliance tests. No PDF file produced. ] %%
    If I use your PPD, print your AI file to a postscript file, then simply open the resulting Postscript file with AICS4, I see the same bad results that I showed in the movie. I think the PPD can't handle the new method of breaking out spots in gradients. Just to test this theory... try a different PPD and see if that works, at least to show the seps properly.

  • Gradient mesh detail problem

    My problem occurs when zoom out of a gradient mesh effect and it bocomes something cloudy or in snatches but when zooming in, the problem no longer exists and everything become smooth again.
    What's the problem?
    please

    Which version of Illustrator are you using?
    Apart from that, it may just be a harmless screen rendering issue.
    Probably no problem at all.

  • What is the problem with converting objects with gradients to gradient mesh?

    What is the problem with converting objects with gradients to gradient mesh?

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    There may arise some smaller corruption states that may be cured by what you did, as you can see in the list. Sometimes, restarting thrice is needed.
    The following is a general list of things you may try when the issue is not in a specific file (you may have tried/done some of them already); 1) and 2) are the easy ones for temporary strangenesses, and 3) and 4) are specifically aimed at possibly corrupt preferences); 5) is a list in itself, and 6) is the last resort.
    If possible/applicable, you should save curent artwork first, of course.
    1) Close down Illy and open again;
    2) Restart the computer (you may do that up to 3 times);
    3) Close down Illy and press Ctrl+Alt+Shift/Cmd+Option+Shift during startup (easy but irreversible);
    4) Move the folder (follow the link with that name) with Illy closed (more tedious but also more thorough and reversible);
    5) Look through and try out the relevant among the Other options (follow the link with that name, Item 7) is a list of usual suspects among other applications that may disturb and confuse Illy, Item 15) applies to CC, CS6, and maybe CS5);
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  • Need help with adding shadows to a shape (gradient mesh?...blur tool?)

    Hello. I'm an Illustrator novice, as you will be able to tell from my question. I'm somewhat familiar with the gradient mesh tool as well as the raster effects that Illustrator CS3 offers, but I can't figure out how to use them to do what I have to do.
    Here's my situation. I'm creating a logo design. It is a musical note with a flame coming off of it. I want to add the appearance of the shape having shadows (yellow for the light areas, and red for the shadowed areas).
    I can't get the gradient mesh tool to work because I'm assuming the shape is too complex. I understand that I could probably just create a bunch of different gradient mesh areas and just try to mesh them together, but is this necessary? ...and is chopping my shape into mulitple sections really the best method ? (it sure doesn't seem like the logical solution).
    Then I tried using Illustrators blur effects. I'm concerned to even use them for a logo design, because the "blur" effect is raster, and with a logo; it's probably not wise to use anything raster, correct? Anyway...i can't get it to work. I created a shape using the pen tool to replicate the shape of the shadow. When i blur it, the blur is visable outside the original logo shape. I don't know how to make it stop at the path edge. Does anyone know how?
    If anyone can please help me here, I would be more than grateful. I realize these questions probably stupid ones, but I just can't seem to figure out how to do this, despite reading tutorials and watching numerous youtube videos on the gradient mesh tool; I can't seem to figure out how to adapt it to my situation.
    Here is the image I created in Photoshop. I am trying to duplicate it in Illustrator CS3.
    [URL=http://img515.imageshack.us/my.php?image=surefiremusicnote.jpg][IMG]http://img515.ima geshack.us/img515/9348/surefiremusicnote.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

    Thanks Steve and Jet. I've spent the lasts 2 hours calling around to different print shops in hope that I can maybe trade labor for insight into their printing process. Problem is there seems to be a lack of 4 color offset printing companies who also offer spot colors. I really wish I had the money to take a class, but when I do, I will. I just contacted a few freelance designers who seem to have a lot of print work in their portfolios. Maybe they can teach me a thing or two, and in return I can drop them a few bucks or help them with something.
    Jet, you've got me very concerned here. What do you mean by "It's not just a matter of selecting colors; it's also a matter of selecting the number of inks necessary to render them in the various reproduction methods in which the mark will be used"? Are you just stating the importance in using swatch books (Pantone)?
    You mention the importance of a design being rendered in different forms (apparel, signs, promotional items..). So how should I go about doing this? Lets say a client wants a "mark" printed on all of the things you stated. Is it my duty to find out what printer they will be using before I submit design files to them? Is it the job of the designer to contact the print shop and get their profiles for different prints (glossy paper prints, matte paper prints, t-shirt printing, vehicle graphic printing)? This is all very time consuming, so should there not be extra charges when dealing with setting up different print settings for particular print jobs?
    I've read the blogs of some successful logo designers. David Airey for example just submits his logo design to his client in eps form I believe (plus any requests). Should he be submitting a separate file for each intended use, or is this the job of the client and printer to work out?
    You've got me extremely worried that I am going to really deal someone a bad hand here. As far as I know, this hasn't happened yet; but I'm glad you have me concerned. The sad part is that I do have a 2 year degree in graphic design and I didn't learn one thing about printing and it's association with color. The little I have learned is from the internet. I've checked out Amazon(dot)com for a good book on learning about color and print, but there seems to be a lack of recently written books (with reviews) regarding the subject. Can you recommend any?
    I started doing freelance work because people would ask me to design a t-shirt for them, or a flyer for their small business. So I did. Now I have more people requesting my services. It's hard to turn down the money, especially in these times. But at the same time, I don't want to cause major headaches for anyone either. Until recently, I had no idea the complexity of the design to print process. Just 3 days ago, I purchased a monitor calibration device and my first set of Pantone guides. They should arrive shortly. I know, don't laugh.
    My lack of knowledge regarding this whole thing has really got me questioning what I am doing. I figured all i really needed to know in Illustrator was to use the pen tool, since my use of Illustrator has been strictly for shaping logos.
    There are just so many questions I have, and all can't be answered through a google search. I really don't like wasting your time with my ignorance, but I do appreciate your assistance. It takes some time for my little brain to absorb all of this, but I have been reading all I can from the endless tutorials and forum discussions available on the web. The problem I've found is that alongside the large amount of great info on the web, there is seemingly an equal amount of contradictory or partially inaccurate info as well. which only confuses me more. For example, most people say to design in cmyk for print (300dpi higher or vector). A rep from Pantone told me to create my designs using Pantones color swatch groups. Why would I want to start in Pantone? Don't all of their colors cost extra money (spot colors require a new printer plate and ink to be set up). Starting in cmyk seems like a more logical approach. Is he just trying to sell me Pantone?
    Sorry for my redundant question regarding the concern for non-single colored paths not being able to join. You obviously answered my question with your example.
    For your time, I would like to show my appreciation. If you wouldn't' mind leaving your paypal address, I can send ya a couple/few bucks. Books are great, but they can't answer all questions. Forums like this one are really very helpful and a great learning tool. I do realize I have to continue educating myself as much as possible. I'm not going to give up, that's for sure.
    So, do you work for Adobe, or are you a graphic designer? Do you have a website with tutorials or a book I can buy lol?
    It would be great to be able to see a walkthrough in the design process of a successful designer and the proper methods of designing for different forms of print.

  • Cropping Gradient Mesh

    Is there anyway to crop a gradient mesh which, in essence, acts like a masked gradient mesh, but actually trims all the excess?
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    Mylenium is correct. Just use one copy of your bird shape as (say) a clipping mask on your rectangular gradient mesh, and use another copy for any outline. If your printer or other production supplier can't handle something that basic, find someone else. Quickly.
    In fact, having the rectangular gradient can be an advantage in some cases. If you later decide you need to cut right to the edge of your color-filled shape, you can release the clipping mask to easily add any necessary bleed beyond the cut-line (a circumstance we encounter almost every day).
    Good luck.
    --OB

  • Trouble printing a gradient in Illustrator CS3

    Hi Guys,
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