Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 12/15/2007

Question
Is there no way to print individual color plates from CS2 using Windows XP? I have an Epson inkjet and a Brother laser (Black). To my knowledge, neither is a postscript printer. I've tried outputting as eps files, pdf's, ai's - my only option in the print dialogue box is composite prints.

As a screenprinter, I need laser blacks of each seperation to create screens.

I've been porting things to Corel, which will allow seperation printing on either printer, but it's a real pain and takes careful planning.

Help, please...

Answer
Hi Jim,

Postscript or not, you should be able to  choose "Host-Based Separations" under the output options in the print menu. If you can't, which it sounds like you can't, here are some options:

First, try choosing a generic printer profile instead of your specific printers (generic laser, etc.) in Illustrator.

Next, check for updates, both for your printers and  for illustrator. There were a slew of last-minute updates before Vista and CS3 launched. Some of these may be the answer.

I would normally say this is a printer issue (printer too old, not XP compatible, etc.) but if you are printing this from other apps, it should work in Illustrator. Check the printer website support area to make sure your models are XP compatible.  I have a Brother Laser printer and it should allow you to print Host-Based separations under the output option in the print menu.