How to add spot color and how to properly export to print ready PDF file? (Photoshop CC)

[aaronm73422565]

Hi,

I need help in figuring out how to add spot color and how to properly export to print ready PDF file.

Right now, we can add spot color via spot channel but when we export it to PDF and check out print preview, colors separations are not properly set up.

We want to replace a colour with a spot colour but when we export it, both colours are present in the file (the original colour, and the new spot colour).

Its quite easy in Illustrator but we need a workflow for designers working in Photoshop.

Thanks in advance!

[Theresa J]

This is really challenging to do in Photoshop. The Spot channel is going to overprint, or multiply with the other colors in the file. I’ve done some of this kind of file prep before. The only way I know to do what you are describing is to manually knockout, or remove the color you want replaced with the spot channel.

[Theresa J]

It’s possible that your printer RIP may offer controls for handling the spot colors. Have you taken a close look at the RIP and tried to manage it there?

[G_Hoffmann]

In Photoshop CS6 it's really straightforward:

Create document in CMYK

Make new channel with spot color

Convert channel into spot channel

Save as PDF/X-1a (2001)

Check by Acrobat

Best regards --Gernot Hoffmann