Expert: Amy - 12/18/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have drawn an image with several pieces, one behind the other. When I
give one a drop shadow (either in the effects or the filter) it looks great on the
screen, but when I print on a color desktop printer, there is a box behind
each piece. How can I get rid of the box, but keep the drop shadow? I know I
can drop it into Photoshop to achieve drop shadows, but I don't want to have
to take each piece and drag them piece by piece and start over with the drop
shadows. Any suggestions??? Joanne

ANSWER: Hi Joanne,

Can you make a composite shape that emulates the combined shape of the pieces and apply the drop shadow to that? And leave the actual pieces shadow-free? And that new shape would be hidden behind the pieces, with only the drop shadow showing.

If I am not understanding the artwork, feel free to send me a file!  AmyLynPace@yahoo.com

Amy

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

QUESTION: Hi Amy, thanks for the quick response. I re-read my question and forgot to
mention that I am using Illustrator CS. Some of the items I am trying to get a
drop shadow under are outlined text, and some of them are drawn items.
Specifically here there is "fire" flames that are one on top of the other (three
pieces). I have not put them in layers, they are just in back of each other. I
made copies of several of the letters, gave them drop shadows and put them
under the original letter, but the box is still there, and can be seen against
the color behind it. You don't see the box until you print the piece, and when
you view as an outline, it is there. To get rid of it I have to select the item,
ungroup it and delete the box, and the drop shadow is gone. I can't imagine
that Illustrator would give you the option of giving something a drop shadow,
and then not let it print properly. Am I doing something wrong? Should I
rasterize the pieces before I give them drop shadows? If so, would I be better
off just going into Photoshop? Thanks, Joanne

Answer
Hi Joanne

Before you shoot yourself, why don't you send a copy of the file to me at AmyLynPace@yahoo.com?

You typed a mouthful: I can't imagine that Illustrator would give you the option of giving something a drop shadow, and then not let it print properly.

-Amy