Expert: Laith Ibrahim - 2/4/2008

Question
recently changed machines
used to run AI10CS
currently running AI10 on Win XP PC
no computer probs to speak of ... (no Vista!)
I use my set-up to make plastic membership cards using AI and Photoshop along with a lovely (older Eltron) card printer
All works great

Except with CS version I had the luxury or 'print preview'
which shows EXACTLY how the text and photo will appear together on the card

With this version the lines that denote the boundary of the card and art board are WAY off, even if I create a new template instead of using an older one from CS version.  I achieve accuracy by guessing and guessing and guessing.  Works OK and I am limping along, but I can't help but feel like I am doing something wrong.

Also, is there any explanation for why when placing a photo in Illustrator dragging from Photoshop or actually placing from menu...the photo is all subdued and not full color.  Prints on the card just fine, just mystified about the why.

REALLY appreciate you being here
Thanks!
mj  

Answer
Hi mj,
I haven't used Illustrator 10 in years but I'll do my best.
Your first issue: "the lines that denote the boundary of the card and art board are WAY off" is page tilling being off. If it's not "ON" you need to turn it on to see the area that your printer will print. To do that go to "View/show page tilling". Now you'll see the dotted lines which is the printable area. To center this area on the artboard you need to "press" with your mouse on the hand tool in the toolbox to see the "Page Tool" hiding behind it. Double click on the "Page Tool" to center the "Printable Area" on the artboard. You also have the option to move the page tiling around with your mouse while the "Page Toll" is active.
Having the "Page tiling" not centered on the artboard is the most common reason for having printout off. If you still have the same problem, save our file as a PDF from Illustrator and print from PDF. You'll be able to see a preview of you'll print and you can center your work on the page by simply double clicking inside the preview window.

To fix your second issue with the colors of photos in Illustrator, you need to change your color setting in Illustrator. Make sure to have both Photoshop and Illustrator use the same color profile. Check the color setting you're using for Photoshop by opening Photoshop and going to "Edit/Color Setting". It's usually set at "North America General Purpose". In Illustrator go to "Edit/Color settings" and choose the same profile you have in Photoshop. When you match them you'll make sure that photos you open in Illustrator will look the same in both applications. Also make sure that when you open a new file in Illustrator it has the correct color mode "RGB vs CMYK". RGB has brighter colors than CMYK.

I think the above solution will fix the problems your facing with Illustrator. If you still have any other issues please let me know in a follow up and I'll be glad to give you more help.

Best regards,

Laith