Original vector graphics created in Illustrator on a Mac, filled with pure black and exported as a PDF read properly on a Mac. When that same PDF is opened on a Windows machine, some of the vector shapes show up as pure black and others are a dark gray. Why does this inconsistency occur and is there something in the PDF export process in Illustrator that can rectify this? Thanks!
I'd recheck those elements to see if they are indeed pure black or there is some type of setting applied in transparency or attributes. When I know the file will be viewed on a PC, I save it with a .tiff preview. But, without seeing the artwork, its difficult to say.
Thanks for your reply. I am a teacher and it is my student's artwork. The student said she double-checked the fills and strokes to all be pure black. Another instructor viewed it on a PC and it showed up fine. However, she and myself viewed it on different PCs and there were the tone discrepancies (whether viewing the PDF within the LMS, internet browser or through Acrobat). Would the version of Windows have something to do with the problem? Also, what are the benefits of saving with a .tiff preview? (In the past when I have had this issue with students it was because they did not have the proper color settings applied, but this student is pretty positive that everything is in order in that regard). She said her Illustrator file does contain layers - would that be impacting the resulting PDF? Thanks for any assistance!
"Also, what are the benefits of saving with a .tiff preview?"
A .tiff preview can be opened and viewed on a PC. The file can also be edited on a PC. If you take a look at your layers palette ( sorry, old school reference vs. panel ) and expand the layers you will see that just about every element is on its own layer. You have written that some people have viewed the file on their PC and found nothing wrong....
"Another instructor viewed it on a PC and it showed up fine"
which leads me to believe it could very well be a preview problem. Have all of those who have viewed the file print it, too? What about you? Have you printed the file? The proof is in the print.
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