Expert: Amy - 4/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: We are being sent files from a company who create all of their artwork using MACs (Quark).  As we only use Adobe Illustrator (for PC - version 9) they are converting the files for us so that we can use them on our PCs.  However, when we open them in Ilustrator the resolution seems to have depleted and cannot be used for producing high resolution packaging.  Do you have any ideas of why this may happen?

Also if we upgrade to Illustrator CS4 will we still be able to open artwork created in earlier versions of Illustrator and we will be able to save new documents in a lower version?

Your help would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi Louise.

What format are they giving you? PDF? Let me know.

Second question - Yes, you can open all earlier versions and save down to them as well.

-Amy

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

QUESTION: Thanks for your quick response.  They are sending them in EPS format but we have also requested AI files and experience the same problem.  THe PDF files they send can be viewed in Acrobat and appear to be perfectly acceptable but the EPS/AI files are not.

Answer
Hi again,

One thing I guess I'm not clear on is what is in these files that would be affected by resolution. Which parts of the file looks bad?

Are they not vector graphics? Are there placed images within the files, too? If so, what type/format? You might not know the answer to that.

I have a copy of CS3 -AND- a copy of 9 running on my PC, if you want me to see if it's THEM or YOU... I can attempt to open one for you.

You don't have to worry about privacy. I don't distribute or use any file I am sent. It gets tossed when we're done.

Send to AmyLynPace@yahoo.com (up to 20 MB).

-Amy