Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 9/22/2008

Question
Assume I have created 2 ai in the same size/orientation, how can I make sure the selected artwork I copy in A file paste in the same place in B file.  (Does it work in Indesign as well?)
I know the eyedropper tools can be used to identify what color is being used in the selected artwork/text, Alternatively, how can I check where the color in the swatches be used?
My printer asks me to save pdf using Postscript & Distiller way while some say simply save ai as pdf is fine.  What’s the difference between these 2.


Answer
Hi Milk,

To paste into the same document and keep the location, use the paste in front function. If you want to retain layers, you need to go to the layers palette and make sure "paste remembers layers" is turned on.

To find a certain color swatch used in the document, select the color swatch and then go to select>same>color fill. It will highlight anything using that swatch.

I always use the Adobe Illustrator PDF engine when saving as a pdf - never distiller. It is a cleaner PDF and you can still get the same settings they need via save as and choosing your setups.

Distiller is used for generic postscript files to convert them to PDF, not necessary with AI.

Thanks

Kevin