Expert: Amy - 2/23/2010

Question
Illustrator CS3 is refusing to print spot colors. The file has CMYK colors plus one spot color, the CMYK colors print but not the spot color. Using the 'Convert spot colors to Process' means that the file will print, for checking, but this should not be necessary - CS2 did not have this problem.
When this file is placed into InDesign and Quark it prints OK, also placing the artwork in Photoshop it prints OK, which suggests that there is a setting or option in Illustrator which I have checked by mistake. Any suggestions gratefully received.

Answer
Hi Peebles,

What type of device are you trying to print to? It could possibly be your printer. In the print options, turn Color Management off. Also, make sure that the objects that disappear are not set to overprint. Doesn't sound like it because of the InDesign results - but check anyway. If you save it as a PDF, do the spot colors show up then?

How about sending it to me so I can look at it and see that it's not something about the color.

You can write me at AmyLynPace@yahoo.com

If it's too big, just take enough elements out of it to make it mailable! I use CS3.

-Amy