How to use the flatten transparency function

[BradyLeavell]

Been using Illustrator for years but this is the first time I've worked on a book cover. PDF looks strange when viewed in apple's Preview App. But looks fine in adobe acrobat. All my research concludes that this is because Preview doesn't read transparency well. Should I flatten transparency on my PDF, so there's no chance of a printing error, and if so, how? When I apply flatten transparency to the whole project, things get strange and objects disappear completely. Would love any help possible, thanks so much!

[Monika Gause]

Why do you want it to look good in Preview? Is this an e-book?

[BradyLeavell]

No, it will be printed. I just don't want it to print weird because I didn't flatten the transparency. I'll be the first to admit I am not very knowledgable on printing procedure, so I'm not sure what affects what, especially when it comes to PDF. Thanks for helping!

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS · Accepted solution]

First talk with the printer. They may prefer an unflattened PDF. 

However, you best option is to save your AI file, then do a Save As to PDF, using the PDF/X-1a:2003 standard. You need to check ALL your PDF setting for proper settings (which is why you need to talk with the printer first).

[BradyLeavell]

Thank you, I greatly appreicate the advice!

[Monika Gause]

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@BradyLeavell  a écrit :

No, it will be printed. 

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OK.

David has given you great advice.

One more to add. When doing prepress, just ignore Apple Preview. It's utterly useless when it comes to print production.