AI objects change when saving as PDF

Question

I saved my .AI file as a press quality PDF (these are 2'x3' vinyl banners).  I had this issue last year, but didn't have time to fix them and reprint them before the event.  The printing company sent me a proof this year (didn't last year) and my files is changed again.  Any idea what I'm doing wrong?  I've attached a copy of the PDF (how it should look) and a photo of the printed vinyl banners with red arrows pointing to the error.  I'm sure it's something on my end with saving, but when I google it, I end up in a never ending rabbit hole of unrelated topics.  Any help would be really appreciated. TYIA &#128578;

bali22 · Accepted Answer

Thank you. It was the RGB/CMYK issue.

Ton Frederiks · Answer

It would have been better if you had setup your document as a CMYK document.

Now you are using spot color inks in RGB mode and use transparency effects (like Screen for the stars) that do not translate very well in CMYK mode.

If you need to use spot inks, check your document in CMYK mode and use the Flattener Preview (or apply flattening on a copy) to detect problems.

If you don't print with spot inks, convert the to process RGB in your RGB document. You still need to check the effects in CMYK mode unless you rasterize the entire document.

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