A blend would probably work. ... View more

There are a couple of ways you could do it.  I would add anchor points to existing text wrap to accommodate the additional text box.   ... View more

There are a few ways you could do it.  One way I would use is individual masks for each image.  I would dupe the gradient and use the dupe to build the mask.  This gives you the ability to match existing shape.  If you have three images, dupe the gradient three times. ... View more

Disregard overprint preview.  That logo will "knock-out" of any background color or an under layer of white will be used on dark substrates. ... View more

Yes.  The Epson print drivers will interpret your Illustrator settings.  I wonder if a little experimenting would be beneficial.  That could be setting up documents for each app that are identical.  Print them ( maybe you already did ) and see if they are similar or way off. ... View more

Illustrator used to create vector halftones, it would be a great tool if the geniuses brought it back.  Otherwise, it will require a third-party plug-in to achieve.  The gradient is set to "radial" to add to the illusion of roundness.  My 1-bit halftone is something that possibly could be traced, thereby converting it ( the file ) back to vector. ... View more

That is actually a radial gradient.  Not sure what size you are working at, but my approach is a little old school.  In Illustrator, create a circle, say 2.5" in diameter.  For your fill, use the radial gradient using black & white.  Set the black for approximately 80-85%, the white to around 20%.  Use the gradient tool to adjust the fill to go the way it appears in your sample ( sorry, offline so cannot show you screenshots ).  Open the gradient in Photoshop at 150ppi grayscale.  Use image > convert > 1-bit > halftone > shape = round > frequency around 25 LPi ( lines per inch ) > save as .tif > place in Illustrator and paint it purple over a light purple circle 2.5".   ... View more

You might be better off activating the font in your font management program > restart > then open Illustrator first ( this should load the font in start-up ) > then open the file. ... View more

I wonder if you have image files in your PDF?  Are the lines random or in the same place every time you print?  Take a look at your original Illustrator file.  Did you update any image links?  Check the file in outline ( command-Y ) mode and see if hidden elements show up?  Really hard to pin it down without seeing the files and/or prints. ... View more

Looks like you are in outline be mode.  Go to View menu and turn on Preview. ... View more

I agree with Monika.  Although templates can get you started, you really cannot rely on them for much more than that.  Step by step instructions require much more space than what is found here in the forums.  Have you prepared a design comp? ... View more

Stay within RGB color space.  There are essentially two settings in Illustrator > edit > color: Rendering Intent and Working Space. In Work Space, you have several RGB tags you can assign or apply to your file.  So, besides Adobe RGB, you can try ProPHOTO RGB.  You could setup a test file in each Work Space listed.  You can also use Perceptual Rendering Intent instead Relative Colorimetric or Absolute Colorimetric ( which one you could or may not have assigned ).  The main point here is that you will never match a monitor ( transmissive ) color in print ( reflective ).  So, try to have reasonable expectations as you progress through your experimentations to see what works best. ... View more

You mentioned RAM; but what about scratch disk space?  Just curious because a lot of the rendering and preview is relying on scratch rather then RAM which is used to operate the programs.  I would be interested to learn more about your workflow.  For instance, image resolution and color space.  I understand that it used to work on the previous hardware and now it does not.  Are you in 24 or 32bit?  It seems there is something hardware related that does not match your previous MacBook Pro.  And, perhaps the version of Illustrator.  If you can, see if the Illustrator Preferences of both machines match.  It may be something small that now does not match.  Because you are dealing with grand format files, often those files can be scaled down to make them more manageable.  For instance, scale to 25% with placed files at 300ppi ( final image res equals 75ppi, more than enough for large wraps, etc. ).  If you are using 300ppi image files at actual size ( 100% ), then things could go awry. ... View more

You are correct about submitting RGB files for that print provider.  You mention Rendering Intent ( Perceptual ).  Another item to try is instead of AdobeRGB, assign or apply ProPhotoRGB as an option.  You could send your vendor one file of each RGB color space, but maintain the Perceptial Tendering Intent.  While you may never totally match fluorescent type brightness, you can get reasonably close. Your print vendor can also experiment on their end, but as far as file prep goes, you have ( and are on the path ) to finding out, through experimentation and the inherent limitations, what will ultimately become a viable workflow for your project.  Good luck! ... View more

If you are setting DPI in the PDF, then you have to know what the output resolution is in the RIP ( based on the output device which typically would be inkjet-grand format ).  But, you should not have to pre-set the DPI in the PDF with the way your files have been prepared.  Incedentally, grand format inkjet resolution is 600dpi, some are 720dpi and others are 1200dpi ( depending on printer ). You could save the PDFs as medium or office versions and feel confident the image quality will hold up. ... View more

You might try creating a Blend using the two start colors.  Just another option.  But, the suggestions already mentioned should work. ... View more

The main issue is final image resolution.  We need to see the image.  But, even if you rotate or crop, your phone resolution is not going to be enough to make your 46' width.  Post again and show the pic.  Because you are badicly talking about grand format inkjet output, your final image resolution can be low.  So, there are ways you can do the resize, but not likely using Illustrator.   ... View more

I wonder if the Mac guys can save a copy of the PSD using a PC based .tiff preview and give it to you to be "placed" in your Illustrator file?  It sounds like a "preview" issue because the Mac people can Place their version of the file.  Also, see if 32bit vs. 64bit makes a difference. ... View more

There are a few different ways, but try select all > Pathfinder > Divide.  Then, delete the element ( Black stroke over Green Fill ). ... View more

Instead of creating a new project, why not open an existing thumbnail and renaming it? ... View more

The automatic conversion from RGB ( no idea what tag you used ) to CMYK is to blame for inaccurate color, especially on screen.  What I would typically do is print a proof ( on the appropriate paper ) of the RGB colors ( while still in RGB mode ).  Then I use a Pantone swatch book that has been printed using a similar paper ( Pantone Solid Color Guide ). Once you determine each of your RGB colors' closest solid color cousin, you can then refer to Pantone's Solid to CMYK equivalent(s).  As stated already, you may not be able to match your RGB's exactly, but you can get pretty close through trial and error.  You essentially are or will be creating a custom color palette.  You did not mention how your RGB's will ultimately be used, so we have to assume they will be printed.  Final output will play an additional role in determining color accuracy.  paper also plays a role.  Viewing color on your monitor will only frustrate you.  Start over with a new CMYK document and avoid any automated conversions. ... View more

There are test prep training centers, one is called New Horizons.  There may be others.  Do a search for something available in your area or online. ... View more

Your school might give you a waiver, sort of a grace period until you can pass certification. I would consult with whoever may be able to help you make that happen.  Many, many users have difficulties with certification.  The key is to keep trying and be persistent. In the meantime, absolutely show your test results and do not give up. ... View more

Try reducing the vertical size of your artboard. ... View more

After you edit the page, use Acrobat Pro to open the original multi page PDF and "insert page" in Pro.  Always work on copies. When you insert the page, Acrobat Pro will ask you if you want to replace existing page. ... View more

I just looked over their file prep recommendations.  There is a reference to required resolution of 350ppi.  That could mean that PDFs setup for 300ppi might be reduced in size to make their 350ppi requirement.  They also mention uploading JPGs as the preferred file transfer method.  In a case like that, you would give them 8.6x5.6 @ 350ppi CMYK files.  They must be using a default 175 lpi halftone screen. ... View more

If you are expecting to work with outside print vendors on a regular basis, then "print" a proof before you send out the job or get / purchase a contract proof.  If there is a size issue, it will show up in a hard copy proof. ... View more

Careful when making a statement like 150ppi is not noticeable vs 300ppi in print.  Do some research ( Adobe's Print Publishing Guide ) into "levels of gray".  Many do not understand halftone screening technologies. The printer reporting an under sized document is concerning, usually it is the other way around. They typically report an over sized document.  It could be a case where their RIP enterprets a resolution problem and, in order to make 300ppi, they or it reduces the document to make that 300ppi in some sort of workaround built into their workflow. ... View more

I wonder if there is a stray element outside of the artboard?  When you export to PDF, the artboard goes, but so too the stray element.  This printer, like a lot of them out there, thing PDF is a bitmap file and assume the thing is 300dpi.  Image resolution is set in pixels per inch ( PPI ). Not DPI.  Output resolution for print is typically 5080dpi, enough to achieve a smooth dot when they produce a direct to plate / direct to press workflow.  If you sent them a high quality print PDF, then ask them a few more questions.   ... View more

I concur with John Mensinger.  If it is your logo, then there is no need to take it off the internet. ... View more