How to properly export "transparent masks"

[ix.chel.]

I created some reflections in my document using a gradient mask, in my cmyk document they look like this:

However when exported to high quality print the reflections now look like this:

Was wondering if there is a correct way to export a pdf file for printing without loosing the opacity of the masks.

[Monika Gause]

Do you convert the color mode when exporting?

[ix.chel.]

I did not, i only selected the High Quality Print but I do not know what other option I should or shouldn't pick

[Kurt Gold]

Can you share a sample Illustrator file (making sure that all linked images are embedded)?

Also, tell what application you are using to display the exported .pdf file.

[ix.chel.]

Thee error shows when opning the file in browser, acrobat doesnt show the error, I'm wondering if the error will show when printed and if there is a way to get it to work for all applications since the document also will be shared for digital view.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_tgn5EZsgehkGLQnejyffc3oJ7WV4FJ7/view?usp=sharing

[Monika Gause]

So this doesn't show in Acrobat? Then most probably it's an issue with the browser PDF viewer. 

[Kurt Gold · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the sample file.

Usually, it should not be an issue when printed if it looks correct in Acrobat.

To get it look right in other PDF viewers is sometimes a tedious matter. Exporting to a .pdf version that will flatten all transparency may often help, but then some of the non-standard PDF viewers may still display unwanted phantoms like ("white") hairlines or some other unexpected anomalies.

Based on your sample file, there may be a "fool-proof" way to prepare it for PDF viewers that cannot natively display complex transparencies: For example, put all type objects and path objects to separate layers, leave the raster images on one layer and rasterise that layer altogether. Then export to .pdf and check if it looks as desired in whatever PDF viewer you are using.

[ix.chel.]

thank you very much!