Reply To: Random Bold Text after exporting to PDF

GIF and PNG support transparency, and can contain Alpha Channels, so does PSD and TIFF, they can trigger the transparency too!

A gradient feather or ANY effect would be considered transparency. Instead of gradient feather, perhaps create a gradient swatch instead of using gradient feather, and you can use Say Blue to white gradient to blend into the paper, or if you have a different colour, blue to pink or whatever you're using.

Use TINTS of swatches instead of changing their OPACITY in the effects panel. Using Opacity triggers transparency too!