Adobe 65023809 - Creative Suite 4 Master Collection Printing Manual page 13

While the requirements of your own workflow dictate some parts of your approach to imaging
transparency, here are some general, beneficial guidelines for you and your customers:
• If possible, place text and vector content higher in stacking order than objects using
transparency. For example, move a text frame in InDesign so that it is positioned
above a placed Photoshop file that is silhouetted with soft-edged transparency. This
can be accomplished by changing the stacking order of objects, or by moving the
text frame to a higher layer. Of course, if this would alter the design, it may not be an
option.
• Keep transparency live as long as possible. Rather than flattening a layered
Photoshop file to a single layer, keep the layers intact and save the file as a native
Photoshop file (.psd). Use Illustrator native (.ai) files rather than saving artwork in
the EPS format, which flattens transparency. When creating PDFs from documents
containing live transparency, use a PDF format (compatible with Acrobat 5.0 or later,
such as PDF/X-4 that supports live transparency, if your workflow supports such
PDF files.
• Use the Overprint Preview in Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat 9 Pro, and Adobe
Reader to check the interactions of objects using blending modes. Activating
Overprint Preview in these components generates a more realistic display of art-
work, providing the opportunity to catch objects that may image differently from the
way they appear when viewed in the normal, composite view. Note that Acrobat 9
Pro and Adobe Reader 9 now automatically activate Overprint Preview when open-
ing PDF/X files. Overprint Preview can also be controlled in Preferences in both
applications.
• If your workflow system requires that transparency be flattened, you may want to
create a customized transparency flattener preset and share it with your customers.
The High Resolution flattener preset is satisfactory for most circumstances, but you
may wish to create a custom flattener preset that uses a Line Art and Text Resolution
setting in keeping with the resolution of your RIP. For example, if your platesetter
uses a 2400dpi resolution, create a custom preset using that resolution. You also have
the option to convert all text and strokes to outlines in the interest of consistency
across flattened and unflattened areas, but this option may result in larger file sizes
in the PDF or EPS files produced, and renders text uneditable.
Flattened and Unflattened Transparency
The original InDesign file (far left) contains a
transparent native Photoshop file—the dandelion—
and a drop shadow . Objects in an unflattened PDF
(center; pulled apart to show intact live transparency)
remain intact, and transparency is still live . But a
PDF/X-1a file requires flattened transparency, which
results in many opaque, separate "atomic regions"
(right; pulled apart to show how atomic regions divide
content during flattening) .
Transparency Flattener Presets
While the High Resolution flattener preset (left)
is usually sufficient, you may wish to create a
custom preset that incorporates a Line Art and Text
Resolution that matches the resolution of your RIP
(right) . You also have options to convert text or
strokes to outlines .
Adobe Creative Suite 4 Printing Guide 11