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ZLOKED
Participating Frequently
December 4, 2024
Answered

InDesign won't display transparent PNG image with white pixels - it only displays in the paste board

  • December 4, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 677 views

Hello,

I have a design where half of the spread in covered in a gray box. On top of that box I have a client's signature scanned, converted to transparent PNG and have used the black (ink) version and the inverted or white (ink) version for several years without issue. Today however, when the client requested to have the white version instead of the black, InDesign would load the image but it will not display. What's odd is that if I drag the image frame on to the past board, I can see it fine. Also, while on the paste board if I create a colored box underneath the PNG, it disappears again. I have tried saving the PNG file as a TIFF or PSD and I still have this problem. Please help I'm under deadline.

 

Black version works fine.

 

White version dropped in and it won't display.

 

White version dragged over to the paste board. Please note, the frame is on the top layer in highest order, it should display over the gray box.

 

Black box added at the back of the order below the PNG in the paste board and it cover the white.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Robert at ID-Tasker

What do you have in the Object / Effects / Transparency / Blend Mode:

 

 

2 replies

Willi Adelberger
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 5, 2024

I strongly recommend not to use a PNG here and not to use transparency here, and no specific blending mode other than normal:

  1. Convert the signature in Photoshop to Greyscale.
  2. Convert the file now ti 1bit (Bitmap) in Photoshop with high resolution (1200 ppi).
  3. Save it as TIF or PSD.
  4. Place this file via File > Place… into InDesign.
  5. Select the image inside the frame with the Direct Selection Tool and apply any color you want. This color will follow the color management settings and color policy.
ZLOKED
ZLOKEDAuthor
Participating Frequently
December 5, 2024

@Willi Adelberger Thank you for this feedback, while this didn't resolve my problem because as @Robert at ID-Tasker pointed out; I had Multiply in the blend mode from copying and pasting from another project (smacked my forhead as soon as I read that), - I am implementing your suggestion moving forward... so much easier when "ink" color changes on the signature are requested.

Willi Adelberger
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 5, 2024

Use never copy and past from other applications as it causes a multitude of problems. >Go only via File > Place…

My way above makes it not only easier to change colors, it reduces file size and increases print quality.

Robert at ID-Tasker
Robert at ID-TaskerCorrect answer
Legend
December 5, 2024

What do you have in the Object / Effects / Transparency / Blend Mode: