I have been running into issues with dropshadows, bevels, transparencies and gradients for years now, it seems like every time I think I have my issue fixed I run into something new.
I am REALLY hoping that there is a certain printing format that I can just export as and be done with it, but that never seems to be reality.... :(
The big problem I am facing now is to get drop shadows printed correctly... They seem to always have this funky box print around them and I have tried to 'Convert to Bitmap', .tiff files, etc etc etc.... I am currently running CorelDRAW X6 and my RIP software is Roland Versaworks. I typically print .eps files but I have just recently been printing PDF/X3 files with decent luck. However, I had to remove all the neat effects from a retractable banner just to get the job out on time... I know this is a common issue, but I am crossing fingers that someone else out there knows exactly what is going on and can point me in the correct direction..... THANKS in advance!!!!
The EPS format does not support transparencies (drop shadows for example) and therefore the export filter has to convert them, usually to a bunch of bitmaps. Same thing for PDF versions prior to 1.4 (Acrobat 5.0).And even if we use PDF 1.4 or later, there is no guarantee the RIP can handle the transparency anyway. There is always a risk that the printed result looks different than the original file when using transparencies, no matter if we use EPS or PDF. So the safest way is to "flatten" the drawing, create a bitmap from all objects affected by transparencies and if possible leave unaffected vector objects on top as vectors. Make a copy so you don't destroy the original file.
Ronny Axelsson said:So the safest way is to "flatten" the drawing, create a bitmap from all objects affected by transparencies and if possible leave unaffected vector objects on top as vectors. Make a copy so you don't destroy the original file.
When working at large dimensions, one tip that helps Draw become more stable is to lower the rendering resolution in the Options. 150 DPI is often plenty.
Ronny and I likely agree that "thinking" about:
Getting these nailed down gives CorelDRAW users much more confidence. No more crossed fingers when printing 4' x 8' sheets. If you develop the flattening workflow like Ronny and I, then you can go absolutely nuts with any effect you like, and never be worried. Sending an easily digestible file to the RIP prevents so many potential problems, and your art RIPS so much faster too.