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Participant
May 22, 2025
Question

editing a pdf in InDesign

  • May 22, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 262 views

I imported a pdf into InDesign. When I place an object with a shadow (or glow) over the pdf, the entire pdf becomes darker/heavier, and it prints that way. I checked the shadow and the spread, size, and distance were all very small. Why is this happening?

4 replies

Dave Creamer of IDEAS
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 22, 2025

Did the PDF come in with a transparent background? If so, any type would have a shadow on it, causing the type to appear heavier. Also, to add to @Robert at ID-Tasker post, the default Transparency Flattener setting during printing is Medium Resolution, and not High Resolution for some reason.

 

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
Robert at ID-Tasker
Legend
May 22, 2025

@mrs._4001 

 

Effect in InDesign - it's because of the transparency effect.

 

Why it prints darker - as @BobLevine asked - you would need to provide way more information.

 

On top of what he asked - your PDF export settings.

 

BobLevine
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 22, 2025

Not enough detail. Screen shots to begin with as well as version of InDesign and operating system.

try67
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 22, 2025

Try the InDesign forum.