: InDesign and PDF printing boxes instead of shadows - Onscreen looks perfect I apologize in advance if this has been asked, but I've searched for a few phrases and I'm not sure how else to
I apologize in advance if this has been asked, but I've searched for a few phrases and I'm not sure how else to ask it.
Using InDesign I've created a vector "ribbon" and given it a drop shadow. I've also placed a PSD file with a transparent background on the document.
On screen, the exported PDF and the InDesign screen preview look perfect (View > Overprint Preview is enabled). Here is a screenshot of the exported PDF (v1.5):
When printed on my HP LaserJet 2600n, however, I get these god-awful blocks around the shadow of the ribbon object and the placed PSD file. Here is a photo of the printed page (the camera on my phone washed out the image - it is accurately reproducing the colours):
I've tried converting Spot colours to Process in case the printer was experiencing some issue with the Pantone colours, but the colours are actually printing fine, it seems to be the placed file and the shadow causing issues.
I'd love to learn how to fix this, and more importantly - what causes the issue!
More posts by @Sue6373160
2 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
This often happens when transparency effects like drop shadows or <100% opacity are used in a layout with spot swatches. Convert all of your spot color swatches to process (double-click the swatch and change the color type from spot to process) and re-export the PDF.
This is known as the 'dreaded white-box' problem. It was fairly common about 10 years ago (less so now) and has to do with transparency issues when the artwork is flattened. Adobe have a fairly comprehensive trouble-shooting page about it here: helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/white-box-or-color-wash.html
Terms of Use Create Support ticket Your support tickets Stock Market News! © vmapp.org2024 All Rights reserved.