I have a strange one here. I am using CS5 (7.04) to merge several hundred names into a template that simply has a pdf on the master page. My problem is that the names are in black with a pantone drop shadow on the text. The merge works fine, all seems well. I output it to a pdf for printing on a laser printer that uses a Fiery RIP (not sure which version). This is my normal workflow for this printer.
However, when these pdfs are imported into the Fiery, they do not print the drop shadow. I have tried almost every sensible variation of pdf export parameters.
Things to note:
- the pdf on the master page also has drop shadows (black, not pantone), and they print fine
- if I print directly to the printer, it seems to be fine, though this adds much complication to the process that should be avoided if I can, as this is an ongoing project and having the printer's computers available to print from is not typical. I also have to reimport the merged pdf back in, then print (for some reason, their version of CS5 won't open the original indd document).
- All shadows show up on screen, and when pdf is opened in Illustrator, they are there as well, simply as an image behind the text.
- The name is printing on a pure white portion of the pdf on the master page. I have tried changing this pdf's transparency to 99% with no change to the problem.
My guess is that the RIP is ignoring the shadow for some reason, as when it comes via a print driver (postscript), it is fine. However, my printer is reluctant to troubleshoot more than he has to since no other files give him this problem.
Any suggestions on how to export the pdf?
Jake
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