Graphics with transparency

[Mateomono]

Hi,

I am working on a print project using InDesign. For this project, I am using graphics that were created in Illustrator. They where all  imported as AI files into InDesign.

I’ve noticed that in the link panel a couple of graphics have transparancy applied to them. From my limited understanding of print media, there shouldn't be any transparency.

My question is: should I go over all my graphics and adjust them in AI (Object > Flatten Transparency), or will it update automatically when exporting the file as PDF/X-1?

Thank you very much for any help!

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Nothing wrong with using transparency in print files--as long as your printer doesn't have equipment from the 90s.

PDF/X-1 will flatten transparency based on your settings. (Convert RGB/LAB to CMYK too.)

A "modern" printer would want a PDF/X-4 with does neither on your end. The printer takes care of it.

[Mateomono]

@Dave Creamer of IDEASThank you for your response! So there is no need to flatten them? Are there any downsides of leaving them/things to look out for?

Also, just for more info, none of my graphics have transparency, drop shadow, etc., applied to them, so I'm unsure why they were even marked that way in the first place. Plus, my graphics are all very simple vector art.

[Peter Spier]

Most likely the transparency is not an effect, but the lack of a background behind your Illustrator art. As @Dave Creamer of IDEAS says this shouldn't cause any problems in a modern print workflow.

It would be a red flag if your printer asks you to flatten the transparency, export to PDF/1-a or convert text to outlines

[Mateomono]

@Peter SpierThank you for your input! This saves me so much time just being able to leave it. I was still wondering if there’s anything I should look out for, just to be safe, or if there will most likely not be any issues?

[Peter Spier]

There shouldn't be any problems.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Check with your printer as to the type of PDF/X they want. If they want a PDF/X-1, let me/us know and I can give you some guidance for your transparency and color settings.

[Mateomono]

Hi @Dave Creamer of IDEAS 
Yes, they mentioned they need it to be PDF/X-1. 

 

[Willi Adelberger]

Place in InDesign PDF/X-4 or AI. Never place EPS or PDF/X-1a or X-3! Importing is a different thing than exporting a PDF for the printer.

[Peter Spier]

If you have the option to pick another printer, you shouold see if there is one who will accept your file as PDF/X-4.

If that's not an option, you can minimize potential flattening problems by putting your text on a layer above any transparent objects, but there may still be problems if you have raster (pixel-based) images over vector colored blocks. That will depend on the age and type of equipment the printer uses to make the plates. You should absolutely ask for a proof and check it carefully.

As an aside, if this is a print-on-demand service, you might want to try submiotting a PDF/X-4 file instead of the PDF/X-1a. Lots of times the websites don't keep pace with the technology, nor do the people writing the specs actually know anything.

[Jeffrey_Smith]

You do not need to adjust individual graphics, export to PDF/X-1 from Indesign will flatten transparent elements.

In a print workflow, transparency will be flattened somewhere, whether the DFE/RIP performs this or during the export process.