Tiff images with transparency saved are printing as ghosted image

[dianer41339255]

When featuring products in print ads (and other media), I often remove the background of the image using Photoshop. For print purposes, I then convert the image to CMYK (by choosing Image > Mode > CMYK Color and merging the layers), and save it as a TIFF with the transparency saved. This tiff file is then placed into InDesign when creating the ad graphic, which is then exported as a print PDF. 

Lately, this has resulted in a few instances of the product appearing "ghosted" in the published/printed ad. One publisher thought maybe it was due to a linked file not being CMYK, but that does not appear to be the case. 

Any suggestions on why this may be happening? Attached is a Photoshop screenshot and the final print outcome we're encountering. This is not normally a problem, but it's now happened with two different publications in the last month with two different ads/images. I'm guessing the issue lies in the background removal, but I don't understand what specifically would cause this. Thank you in advance for your help!

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

What are your PDF export settings from InDesign?

[dianer41339255]

In InDesign, I first outline the text, then do a File > Export and select Adobe PDF (Print) (*.pdf). I keep the preset selections for the rest of the settings (see screenshot). 

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

What does your PDF show when you export?

Have you tried using PDFX-1A instead of High Quality print?

[dianer41339255]

I don't get any additional pop-ups when exporting, it just goes through the process and I have my document. Everything looks normal.

I just tried the PDFX-1A (I hadn't previously), and that recreates the ghosting in the print preview, as well as adding some white border lines in random places: 

[Test Screen Name]

Just to be completely clear: when you say "ghosting" do you mean that the image is completely missing, replaced by a pure white space, following the shape of the cutout?  (I would normal expect "ghosting" to show one or more pale copies of an image, possibly in the wrong place, but that's just how I'd use the term). 

[dianer41339255]

Correct, the image is replaced by white space following the shape of the cutout. Wasn't sure what the technical term for that was. 

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

In InDesign, do you have any overprint or knock out attributes applied?

Check your Attributes Panel. I'm also going to have this thread moved to InDesign as this is really an issue in that application, not coming from PS.

[dianer41339255]

No attributes applied:

 

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

Select just the image not the entire project.

[dianer41339255]

Still nothing.

[Test Screen Name]

If I read this correctly, you have PDF files which show the picture OK - but when you send it to press, the picture disappears. Is that so? If so, please open the PDF in Acrobat and go to Acrobat Preferences, under the "Page Display" section, You will see an "Overprint preview" section.

1. Before changing it, what is Overprint preview set to?

2. Try changing it to NEVER. Does the PDF change (does the image go to white)?

3. Try changing it to ALWAYS. Does the PDF change?

[dianer41339255]

That is a correct understanding; however, it has only happened a few times (typically the PDFs print fine in our advertising).

1. My Acrobat settings are currently listing "Use Overprint Preview: Only for PDF/X Files"

2. No image modification when changing the setting to NEVER. 

3. No image modifiction when changing the setting to ALWAYS. 

Perhaps this is an issue on the printer's side and not with my file???