How to set up a custom spot color default palette?

[ButchVA]

I just upgraded from AI 2015 to 2019.  As usual, everything I had set up went out the window (Adobe, you guys need to learn from Apple!).  Since I started using AI almost 30 years ago, I've had a custom spot color palette that is the default swatch palette when I create a new document.  I can't figure out how to get 2019 to use it.  I have an AI document with all the required swatches in it.  Where can I put it so that it comes up as the default??

Thanks

[lambiloon]

Hi check following video i think it helps you to solve you problem....Thanks.

[ButchVA]

Sorry, I guess I wasn’t clear.  I have a custom swatch palette already created. I need to know how to make it so that every new document I create has that palette in it.  It’s always been the case where you simply put it into the AI startup items folder, but I can‘t find that with the new version.

[ButchVA]

Up to now, when I’ve done this, my custom swatch palette is the only colors I see.  I don’t see any of the AI default CMYK stuff.  I work exclusively with spot colors.

[lambiloon]

You are working on new document ? then swatches library there in default swatches you get there...Thanks.

[lambiloon]

yes you to get it in user designed section when you save it for all versions i have also have 2019 version its same or all as shown in above video.

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

In the Illustrator application folder you will find a folder named Support Files that contains a folder with New Document Profiles.

Copy your document that contains your swatches libray in there.

You will probably have to use your Admin password.

The document should become available as a preset after restarting Illustrator.

If you use the default File New dialog, you will probably have to dig deep to find it.

I prefer to set my Preferences General to > Use Legacy “File New” Interface. It is easier to select the document from the Profiles.

[ButchVA]

Thanks Ton.  I think we're on the right track, but now I have to select my Default Swatches profile each time I create a new document.  Previously it was the default that came up automatically every time I create a new document, without my having to select anything.  Any idea how to do that?   Here's what I see when I create a new document:

As ups can see, the AI default profile is "Print".  My document, named "Illustrator Default Swatches" is visible, but I can't find a way to make it the preferred color profile.

[Ton Frederiks]

Once you have chosen your preferred profile, it will stick.

The next time it will be the default.

[ButchVA]

Nope.  It goes back to "Print" every time.  I can't find any setting anywhere to change it.  I even tried taking all of the items in that folder except for my Default Swatches out, but it defaulted to a CMYK palette when I restarted AI.

[ButchVA]

This what I get no matter what I do.  Only if I go down into the menu and select my Default Swatches can I get them to come up..

[Ton Frederiks]

I don't get that behaviour, it always gives the last document settings chosen.

Maybe get rid of your Print document in the Profiles folder and rename (a copy of) your document to Print?

[ButchVA]

Nope.  I tried that and it didn't work.  I keep getting the same CMYK palette as above.  What a PITA.  This is why I kept using CC 2015.  AFAIK it was the last one that let you make a new default without jumping through hoops every time you create a new document.

So much for "improvements".  Thanks Adobe.

[Ton Frederiks]

Try to turn Off that confusing New Document dialog

I prefer to set my Preferences General to > Use Legacy “File New” Interface.

It is easier to select the document from the Profiles.

[ButchVA]

So when I try that, this is what I get, and when I click "OK" I get the default CMYK color palette as above.

[Ton Frederiks]

Then you probably messed things up by taking all of the items out of tha Profiles folder like you mentioned.

De-install and Re-install and trying to get you custom profile added is probably the only option.

[ButchVA]

Eureka!  So I uninstalled and reinstalled.  The first thing I did was put my default color swatches into the folder.  I then changed the preference to "Use Legacy File New" interface.  The first new document I created, I selected my color palette from the drop down that's at the very top, and it sticks! 

So if anyone from Adobe is reading this, FIGURE THIS OUT GUYS!!  This is 2018, and I'm 145% certain I'm not the only AI user in the world who wants to always use the same custom swatch palette with ever new document!  This really just shouldn't be this hard.  We all pay you guys good money every month for a functional software package, and it seems like every new version "improves" on things that didn't need "improving". 

[ButchVA]

Okay, so next question.  If AI is running in the background (I'm in Finder or another application), and I click on AI in the dock, I now (never before) get a grey screen until I create something or open a document.  Previously I got the tool bar and such, but no background.  I was able to see my desktop in the background until such time as I opened or created a new document.

[Ton Frederiks]

ButchVA  wrote

Okay, so next question.  If AI is running in the background (I'm in Finder or another application), and I click on AI in the dock, I now (never before) get a grey screen until I create something or open a document.  Previously I got the tool bar and such, but no background.  I was able to see my desktop in the background until such time as I opened or created a new document.

Try to uncheck: Window > Application Frame

[ButchVA]

Thanks for your help Ton!!  Really appreciate it.  Have a great holiday.  I put in a feature/bug request.

[Ton Frederiks]

My pleasure, I would appreciate if you can mark the correct answer for future users

[Ton Frederiks]

Good to hear you've got it working.

It is too complicated, I agree.

Maybe you can mention it as a feature request to make the creation of a startup profile document easier.

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