Transparency Flattening Option Grayed Out in InDesign 2024 After Upgrading to New Computer

[martin21953943weeq]

I just upgrade to a new computer using same Indesign version (current 2024) . when I try to print, I'm unable to choose the transparency flatener option since it is desactivated... 
When I open the same file on my previous computer using the same version of indesign, I have access to that drop down menu
see attached image 

<Title renamed by MOD>

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @martin21953943weeq,

I understand how frustrating it is when features are inaccessible after upgrading your computer. Could you please share the version of InDesign you're using and your operating system details? Is this issue happening with just one file or all InDesign files?

Also, ensure your document’s color mode is set to CMYK, as this may affect the transparency flattening option.

Looking forward to your response!

Best,  
Abhishek Rao

[martin21953943weeq]

thanks for your quick reply 
indesign version 19.2 on both computer (old and new ) 
old computer spec mac book pro 2012 with Catalina OS 
new computer : macbook pro 2024 with Sonoma 14.6.1

the document : transparency blend space is CMYK
document color set to CMYK 
we open the same document on both computer but that preset is only available on the old computer 

thanks

[rob day]

Hi @martin21953943weeq , Try unchecking Print as Bitmap.

[martin21953943weeq]

Unfortunatly, unchecking the "print as a bitmap" doesn't  solve the problem. 
the flatening preset drop down is still unaccessible

[rob day]

UI glitches are often cache related, maybe try trashing your Caches folder and if that doesn’t work reset your Prefs?  Is the Transparency Flattener grayed out if you choose Postscript File as the Printer?

[martin21953943weeq]

both folders : 

1. ~/Library/Caches/
2. ~/Library/Preferences/
   have been cleaned from any adobe files but the problem still persist. 
   however if I choose a postscript file, the drop box menu is then available 
   
   

[rob day]

Did you restart ID after deleting the Caches? The actual paths are:

username ▸ ⁨Library⁩ ▸ ⁨Caches⁩ ▸ ⁨Adobe InDesign⁩ ▸ ⁨Version X.0⁩

username ▸ ⁨Library⁩ ▸ ⁨Preferences⁩ ▸ ⁨Adobe InDesign⁩ ▸ ⁨Version X.0⁩

[rob day]

Have you tried reinstalling the latest Brother driver?

https://support.brother.com/g/b/downloadtop.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hll5200dw_us_eu_as

[martin21953943weeq]

Hi rob, 
yes I deleted the files you pointed out and also restarted ID. 
I saw all the "welcoming messages" so I concluded that it was properly reset.

regarding the printer drivers.
according to brother, with OS 14.6, the printer should be installed with Airprint.
I also tried to installed the driver that was running on my previous computer. 
both ways, the option is still greyed. 
I test also on another computer I have (Macbook 2016 running the same OS and same version of ID) 
same results : no access to the flatening options

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

What emulation is your printer set to? 

The BR-Script3‡ is a Postscript 3. 

[martin21953943weeq]

Hi Dave, 
following your post, I have set the printer to BR-Script3. 
I never played with that setting before. 
I have deleted the printer and readded it, but the behaviour of InD is the same. I can't have access to that drop down menu.. 

the reason why that menu is important for me is that is the only way I found to have the right printing quality out of my printer. if I don't select "high quality", I obtain a lower quality of printing. 

[rob day]

the reason why that menu is important for me is that is the only way I found to have the right printing quality out of my printer.

You could check Print as Bitmap with the resolution set to the chosen printer output resolution, which would effectively RIP the page to the output resolution—not sure if that would slow down processing time too much.

[martin21953943weeq]

I tried that, but can't get the same quality as when I was using the flatening preset with High quality 

[rob day]

I’m still using CC2021 for production, but I just checked CC2024 with Ventura and it looks like a bug? The Flattener presets are only avaiable with PostScript drivers, which isn’t the case with CC2021. Not sure if this was happening with 19.1, but it is with 19.5.

Not available with my Epson native driver and old Brother:

But is available with my Postscript software RIP

[rob day]

I did not check a PDF out of CC2024, but if you print out of Acrobat does the Advance panel give you the Flattener Preset option?

[martin21953943weeq]

yes exporting the pdf i was able to set that parameter. but kind of annoying to have an extra step

[martin21953943weeq]

Wow I found a workaround... thanks to Dave for the hint. 
I have set the printer to BR-script3 and I downoaded a older version of the printer driver (meant for OS 10.15/Catalina which match my older computer). 

with that combo I now have access to the drop down menu for teh flattening preset and also got back the printing quality. 
thanks for all your help ! 

[Gleeful_motivation7317]

I am having the same problem, I have updated in design and now lost the option to uncheck the 'brint with bitmap' box and it is printing at lower quality.

My knowlege on printers is pretty slim, where would I set the printer to 'printer to BR-script3'? I'm not sure where that option is. Im using mac OS 15 if that helps!

[sondre_2399]

Is you set the "standard" tab to "PDF/X-1a:2001" you are able to use the Transparency flattener