The best way is print to a PostScript file and then use Acrobat
Distiller to "normalize" the PostScript into a PDF. The problem with
that though is that you have to Acrobat Professional. Really what should
be happening is you leave everything RGB and *WITH* transparency in the
PDF. Your print provider, assuming they know what they are doing (I
really mean "know what they are doing") should be easily able to convert
to CMYK, trap the PDF, flatten the art and then print it. The order of
operation is exactly that; Convert to CMYK -> Trap -> Flatten
transparency -> RIP -> Screen -> Plate -> Print -> Ship -> Bill you.
You providing RGB (or spot) color = Good
You leaving Transparency live/native = Good
You converting to CMYK from Publisher = crime against color
You flattening transparency = crime against best practices in printing
Can you do it, yes. Should you, no. Without getting into all the
technical mumbo jumbo here's the short of it. Leaving colors as RGB
allows your print provider to give you the best possible color from
their output device. They know this; they just don't want the hassle of
you saying "but that's not the blue I wanted". Well, if they're
communicating and working *with* you then this really isn't a problem.
The second piece, transparency, is a bit more difficult. By keeping
transparent objects transparent when you send the art to your printer
you are giving them the best possible chance to trap your art correctly.
It may not sound like much, but this is huge. The downside is if they
printer doesn't know what the heck to do with the transparency in terms
of trapping you're in a whole world of hurt.
If you really want to get the best price and the best quality product
you need to call Printing For Less.com and ask for Kent Baker. Tell Kent
that I sent you. If you don't get Kent Baker, tell the operator(s) that
I sent you. These guys know exactly how to handle Publisher and get you
a top notch printed product for a very reasonable price.
Hi Matt,
Thank you for the offer. Is there anyway I can fix it as I have more books I
am writing and I would like to avoid this problem in the future?
Dave
--
Matt Beals
Consultant
Callas Partner/Trainer
Enfocus Certified Trainer
Markzware Recognized Trainer
(206) 618-2537 - Mobile
mailto:
[email protected]
Come visit me at:
http://www.automatetheworkflow.com
http://www.mattbeals.com
http://blog.mattbeals.com
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