Issue with Transparency for Print

[thomasn91686213]

Laying out a pdf for print and have received a print proof back, an issue not normally visible in adobe reader but is visible in google Chrome as a pdf reader.

Some images on the uppermost layer, on the chunks overtop semi transparent blocks, turn the image brigt white.

I have checked the various layer settings but it all says normal, and I have no idea what is going on.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Picture: Dropbox - Layer Issue Example 2.JPG

I made this forum post from my phone, I apologise if there was an inline photo insert for this, its not available on mobile.

[Laubender]

Hi Thomas,

if you want to provide PDFs for every PDF reader in the world, especially the ones for web browsers, you cannot rely on the right rendering. Even if PDF is now an ISO standard.

To get the visual representation of your PDF right you have to see into three things:

1. Do all your color is sRGB

2. No transparency*

3. No overprinting*

*should be simulated.

For this export to Acrobat 4 (PDF version 1.3), convert to profile, target should be sRGB IEC61966-2.1, do not include profiles, simulate overprinting and do this with a decent setting for transparency reduction.

The exported PDF will be not fit for any printing process, just for viewing on any device with any PDF reader software.

Regards,
Uwe

[thomasn91686213]

Thank you for responding!

Sadly this isn't a pdf for every reader, this is a pdf that will be used for Print through lightning source.

The issue is this white overlay in the image type thing came back in the print proofs. I missed it because adobe reader didn't show it, it showed it as all good. The knly reader I've found that interpreted the pdf in the way the printer did was chrome, so I mention chrome as its how I have been testing whether a fix worked or not, rather than wait weeks for a jew print proof after each change.

[Laubender]

Hi Thomas,

if you have to evaluate a PDF for print do it with Acrobat Pro DC.

No other tool. And if the PDF is flawless with Acrobat Pro DC go ahead and print it.

Regards,
Uwe

[thomasn91686213]

@Uwe

I did use Adobe's reader and it didn't pick up the issue prior to print. Didn't even show it in the pdf at all. But then i got a messed up print proof. And looked through readers to find one that showed the issue coming up so I didn't have to order a proof to find out if it worked. Which is where chrome comes in. Chrome showed me the issue visible, as it was in the print proof.

So, using adobes reader means I won't have any idea if I corrected this specific problem or not, and print proofs can get expensive if I have to do more than 3.

[BobLevine]

If the PDF was created properly and prints with a discolored background that is a sign that the printer is incapable of handling transparency properly.

[Laubender · Accepted solution]

Hi Thomas,

Bob is right. But it seems that it's your obligation to change something in your workflow.

Problem is: We cannot help, because we know not enough. Nothing about the printer's specification for PDF delivery. Nothing about your specific PDF you sent.

Regards,
Uwe

[BobLevine]

https://indesignsecrets.com/eliminating-ydb-yucky-discolored-box-syndrome.php

[Laubender]

thomasn91686213  wrote

Laying out a pdf for print and have received a print proof back, an issue not normally visible in adobe reader but is visible in google Chrome as a pdf reader. …

Just to make that more clear: You cannot rely on Chrome as PDF reader.

Only on Acrobat Pro DC or Adobe Reader DC for desktop machines with OS X or Windows.

Regards,
Uwe

[thomasn91686213]

That works if I was making a pdf only for digital, but this is a file that will be used for Print. While adobe reader is great, the issue in the print proof I have os only visible when I open the pdf in chrome. So I have been using that as a means of testing before I order a new proof.

[thomasn91686213]

Its okay. I spent more time today, and found a solution. PDF/X-1a:2001 didn't like the amount of different transparencies on those pages.

Some background: I was working on a layout someone else did to try to correct issues and get it printable for POD. The issue isn't visible in adobe reader probably because it handles it better than chrome does. So, mostly looking online for hail marys for fixes. Thats why i attached the image in my original post, hoping someone else had seen this before.

But now I have no issues across multiple readers after flattening into jpg multiple pages with the issue, then placing them under text elements using layers. It may be the system used at the printer doesn't handle transparencies as well as adobe reader does and thats why. The various images in indesign didnt even have transparency settings on or visible but clearly did.

Anyways all good now! Just had to put elements in different layers, then target specific problem pages individually.

Thank you all for the help nd suggestions!