Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 10/19/2010

Question
Hi,
Im a packaging designer. I would like to know how to prepress 2 different pantones in gradation for offset printing. Is it really possible, if so, what is the right process for this?

Thanks! Hoping for your response.

Art

Answer
Hi Art,

First be sure to go to Effects>Document Raster Effects settings and choose "Preserve Pantone colors". You will only be able to go from Pantone to white or Transparent (in CS4/5). If you are attempting to blend the pantone with another color, even pantone it will not separate properly.

InDesign can do this with two pantone colors gradiating into each other because it has the added option of the ink manager which can mix two spot colors. Illustrator does not have this.

Thanks

Kevin