Exporting PNGs with Transparency - Weird Lines on First Import, Fine on Second

[Avairion]

Hey folks,

When I export these files, they often have weird lines on them the first time I export them. The second time - they're fine. I can't put my finger on what is going on.

Here are the images:

Lines examples 

No lines examples

Here are my settings:

Transparency blend mode: RGB

Quality: Maximum or High (doesn't seem to make a difference)
Resolution: 300 ppi

Colour space: RGB

Checked: transparent background

Checked: Anti-alias (is it this??)

On Windows 10, Indesign v 15.1.2 (I'll update soon, but this has happened across multiple verisons).

Let me know if you need any more info! Thanks

[rob day]

What is the format of the placed assets? Are they image files or PDFs?

[Avairion]

Whoops! Key piece of info - they're pngs. Unfortunately I can't get access to PSD files so pngs will have to do.

[rob day]

Just to clarify, you are exporting PNGs (not PDFs), and the placed images on the pages are also PNGs? 

Are the placed images linked or pasted? If they are linked, is their Status in the Links panel showing as Normal?

[Avairion]

Yes: I'm both exporting as PNGs and all the non-text elements are PNG links which show as 'OK' on mouseover (which I assume is 'normal'). The only PNG elements with transparency are the item images, and they're the ones that mess up (have the lines).

You'll notice that as well as the lines appearing when it bugs out, the 'glow' around the items appears to be bigger and less transparent.

[rob day]

Can you share one of the pages and its placed assets via Dropbox or your CC account?

[Avairion]

Hi Rob, I've sent you a PM with the link.

Max

[Avairion · Accepted solution]

So I'm starting to notice a pattern. If I have 3 versions of the image (say, for uncommon, rare, and very rare rarities), the first time the image is exported as a png (i.e. for the 'uncommon' version) it has the lines. The 2nd and 3rd times it does not have the lines, the transparency renders correctly.

To test this, perhaps duplicate the page in the indesign file I sent you. Then when you export tham all as spreads, you'll see what I mean (unless the error is at my end).

[msullivan@xert.com]

Thank you from 2024!  I just ran into this and now have a workaround.

[msullivan@xert.com]

The trick is not to close ID between export #1 and export #2

[Rishabh_Tiwari]

Hi,

Sorry to hear about the trouble. Please share a few more details like:

-The version of InDesign & OS.

-Is this happening with multiple files or a specific file?

-A sample file.

We're here to help, just need more information.

Thanks

Rishabh