Expert: Amy - 11/1/2007

Question
I can't figure out how to create a transparent eps of a logo that has a shadow. The logo has a globe (raster image), a little shadow below the globe, and lettering around the globe.

The client wants a transparent eps of the logo -- without the white box behind the art. I made a transparent eps from Photoshop -- but the shadow didn't show up. So I made the logo in Ilustrator -- and the eps has the white box.  

I tried importing a PS file of just the globe with a transparent background into Illustrator -- but I still got the white box in the eps. Then I imported a Photoshop eps of just the globe into Illustrator, added the shadow (in the multiply mode). Now only the shadow had a white background -- in an oval shape.

Is there a solution to this?

And finally, is this just a wild goose chase for nothing --because if I am going to print, the white will drop out anyway because CMYK doesn't include white ink?

For what reason would my client actually need an Illustrator eps without the dreaded white box?

Am I correct that the bottom line is I can't give her a transparent eps with the shadow?

Answer
Maggy

Love your name, first of all.

Secondly, you are correct. Transparency of the shadow, as I understand your client to mean it, would mean that she wants the shadow to gradually reveal whatever is behind it.

Can't be done unless you give her a PhotoShop document of the globe with a shadow created on that layer. But there's a certain way to do it. If you want to send me the PS file, I can see if I can do it for you. AmyLynPace@yahoo.com

Most clients can't use PhotoShop documents in their applications (like Word) so I wouldn't know where she'd use it, but, hey, the client is always right.

You can give her a GIF file that is designed to be transparent over a certain color by setting the Matte option to that certain color in the Save for Web dialog from either AI or PhotoShop.

Ask if she wants it for a website???

Amy