Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 3/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Kevin,
I was using Illustrator 10 for a long time, and I finally upgraded to cs3
recently! The problem is, in cs3, there seem to be a lot more options in
printing dialogue than version 10. I've been trying to print my wedding
invitation, and it always comes out "fuzzy"  when I print from cs3. I use
EPSON R1900, and I loved the printer when I was using ai10... it printed so
crisp and beautiful! But with the new illustrator, I don't even know what I'm
doing wrong.. but everything (type, vector image, etc) comes out very
pixelated, and fuzzy. Please give me some advice! Thank you!

Asako

PS:One thing I did try is, I went to "Document Raster Effect Setting" Under
"Effect" and chose high (300dpi) resolution. But it didn't make any difference i
printed result.



ANSWER: Hi Asako,

Make sure you have reinstalled the latest print driver AFTER you install CS3 and run all updates. There were several updates to the Epson drivers after CS3 was released. That could solve your issue.

Thanks

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Kevin,
Thanks for the reminder. Yes, I did install the latest print driver after I install
cs3 & run all updates. Please let me know if you have any idea ideas to what I
can do/check. Thank you!

Asako

Answer
Hi Asako,

Generally the Doc. Raster Effects Settings deal with any effects you have in your document (drop shadows, etc.) and does not change the look of vector objects. Here are some things to check: In the Print Dialogue box, under Graphics - the paths should be set to Auto, but try adjusting the slide bar to one step shy of "Quality" manually. Also check the box for "Compatible Gradient Mesh Printing" and double check your resolution from the Doc. Rast. Eff. (it is shown below).

Next, go to Advanced and turn the Transparency Flattener to High Resolution. Those are the two things that come to mind that could be affecting it. If that doesn't help, crank the Doc. Rast. Effects to 600 and double check your printer settings to make sure it is set to the highest quality settings.

Thanks

Kevin