Multiples of Same Line Look Different

[allisonl89804761]

I'm attempting to create a lined journal page. I've tried using both the pen tool and the line segment tool, and with both tools, some of the lines look different. I've tried drawing each line separately, as well as copying and pasting, and I still get the same issue. I've also tried using different brush options and different strokes. I thought maybe it was just a screen resolution thing, but they look different when printed, too. They are always made using the same color, stroke, etc. as the one before - and, like I said, I've even tried drawing one and copying/pasting it multiple times - and yet they continue to look slightly different. Any ideas on how to make a whole page of exactly identical lines? I have an older version of Illustrator... is that the issue?? So frustrating!

(In the screenshot below, you can see how some lines look gray or slightly "smudged", while others look like crisp, clean black lines - which is what they're all supposed to look like...)

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

It's surprising that the lines look different than each other on your screen. Do the lines print the same as each other?

[allisonl89804761]

The lines still look differently when printed. The first time I did this, I assumed it was just screen resolution issues. I saved the file as a PDF and had it professionally printed, and they still looked different when printed. That was a project done for a family member, so it wasn't a big deal (and, really, it's just different enough to notice). But this is for a professional project and it's making me crazy that I can't figure out!

[melissapiccone]

What do they look like at 100%?

[Monika Gause]

That's CS6, right?

And maybe not a high resolution system.

So when the lines fall into different parts of the monitor's pixel grid, then the line looks differently.

[John Mensinger]

On screen, appearance of lines can vary due to where they fall on your display's pixel grid at the current magnification, and because the viewing angle and effects of ambient light actually change from one part of the screen to another. Some displays are more prone to vary in that way than others.

I'd say it's much more surprising that you're seeing it in print as well. Perhaps you can post more details to exactly how you're printing.

allisonl89804761  wrote

Any ideas on how to make a whole page of exactly identical lines? I have an older version of Illustrator... is that the issue?? So frustrating!

It sounds like you're doing what anyone would logically do, and likewise, anyone would expect to see identical lines via copy/paste, step/repeat, or even just drawing a few dozen lines via the exact same method.

[allisonl89804761]

When I did it the first time, it was for a small, personal project where I printed just one copy. I saved the file as a PDF and had it professionally printed. The lines were still different - not crazily different, but just enough so that it is noticeable and not really all that professional looking. For my small project, it wasn't as big of a deal, but for the project that I'm working on now, it needs to be a professional output...

[Monika Gause]

Can you please show a photo and tell us exactly which kind of printer was used to print the lines?

If you want further answers, you should unmark this thread solved.

[allisonl89804761]

I'm not sure about the kind of printer used. I sent it somewhere to have it professionally printed.

[meganchi]

In the screen shot you shared, on the top window pane there is a dropdown menu where it shows 3pt. round. Can you select all of your stroked lines and make sure that dropdown menu says "basic"?

Also, have you tried clearing the stroke style and reapplying it to all of your strokes?

Are there any duplicate strokes accidentally placed or copied behind others?

[tromboniator]

You might try drawing a single line, then going to the Effect menu > Distort & Transform > Transform. Under Move, enter the value of the space you want between lines, then the number of Copies that you want of that line. This won't tell you why you're having this problem, but it is another method that should give you identical lines.

Peter

[pixxxelschubser]

As tromboniator has already said use thr transform effect.

But use for that a single line with a pure black 3pt stroke instead of a 1pt stroke with a 3pt round brush.