How can I get rid of auto-created clipping masks in embedded files?

Question

I create files with many parts and vectors. I primarily link images and save in .ai to keep file size's smaller while design, then save as an EPS when I'm ready to print them.

They are being printed on digital inkjet presses that require a separate file for features like spot gloss effects.

So this means that once I embed all of the components, I then have to go into the embedded artwork components and extract all of the spot gloss layer information. However, this becomes an impossible task because what was ONE layer of gloss in the original file, becomes individualized clipping masks for every single component. So to create a simple texture that I created with a pattern is now over 100 individual clipping masks that are not selectable with the magic wand.

image: on the left, I have direct selected the "MOO" gloss texture. on the right, I'm able to select a handful at a time after digging in countless clipping masks.

So, is there any way to reduce or completely eliminate the creation of countless clipping masks in embedded files?

hg

John Mensinger · Answer

I'm not really clear on your workflow, but it seems obvious that the problem lies somewhere in here:

"...what was ONE layer of gloss in the original file, becomes individualized clipping masks for every single component."

So, you have a pattern that at some point later in the process becomes some large number of clip groups...(?)

"...once I embed all of the components, I then have to go into the embedded artwork components and extract all of the spot gloss layer information."

It's not clear what you're embedding or why you've come to believe embedding is necessary.

"...then save as an EPS when I'm ready to print them."

I'm not sure why' you'd do that either, so I suspect you're "shooting yourself in the foot" at some point.

I'd ask that you consider just forgetting the antiquated notions of "embedding" and saving as EPS, and just Save As PDF (/X-4) while your spot-gloss layer is still intact, and send that to print.

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Scanning file for viruses.

This file cannot be downloaded