Issues with gradients going from InDesign to PDF

"when I send a printer a packaged InDesign file that has gradients, the gradients disappear when they try to open the PDF in Illustrator. "

Hi Michele,

it's never a good idea to open a PDF in Illustrator.

( The one exception is perhaps if you place and link the PDF page. )

If your PDF contains both RGB and CMYK elements Illustrator will either convert them all to RGB or CMYK.

That's only one problematic thing that will happen.

The printers should be able to print from an exported PDF/X-4 where images were not downsampled and colors were not converted. And where transparency is maintained.

What can you do?

Provide a correct PDF/X-4.

That's all.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Professional )

1. Find another printer.
2. PDFs and AIs should not be opened in Illustrator from a printer. Why is he doing that. If a font or linked file is missing, he destroys the whole project.
3. When you place PDFs in InDesign, they should be PDF/X-4.
4. Don't send the printer open INDD files with assets, send the printer 1 single PDF according to the joboptions and color output profiles he provides. If a printer wants open files, take another printer.