Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 2/2/2008

Question
Hi.

I made a clipping path in the shape of a triangle in Illustrator 10. I did this
because I didn't want the end of my brush stroke hanging out past the
triangle and finding an inexperienced printer who might print the part of the
brush stroke that goes beyond the triangle on a dark background. The
triangle is black with a white brush stroke.

The trouble is, everywhere the white edge of the brush stroke hits the
clipping path there is a faint line which is the clipping path line. I sent it to my
printer and they said it didn't show up when they made a PDF or pulled a
proof.

I built this in an AI file. When I make a PDF it does show up, even when I
enlarge it, though not at all magnifications.It also shows up when I print my
PDF. It does not show up when I export the AI or an EPS file made from it to a
JPG.

Since I have to provide this logo as an EPS, it's driving me nuts and I just don't
like turning over a logo which may be not quite right. The weird thing is that
when I apply different color to the triangle the  "ghost" of the clipping path
takes on that color.

I did this job pro bono so I am turning over the logo and won't be able to
oversee all printing or keep an eye on things.

If you have a solution, maybe I'll be able to get some sleep!

Thank you.  

Answer
Hi Lev,

I tried to recreate your problem, but every time I made this, I didn't get a ghost. If it doesn't show up on proofs or when you export it, I would just let it be, it must be a preview error. If you have to turn the logo over, Im assuming you would give them an .eps or .jpg anyway and not the native file, so they will never see it either.

Sorry

Kevin