Can't get Illustrator to print 1 color

[j_m_floyd@adobeforums.com]

All artwork done in Illustrator 10 has been done in one spot color (and tints of it). Placed files from Photoshop 7 are monotone mode (done in the same sppot color as the illustrator document).

Problem: At the Printer the file always separates to CMYK. I've made a pdf, rebuilt in InDesign and check every Photoshop layer twice, but still it separates to CMYK. How can I convert this for the Printer to one Spot color?

[Scott_Weichert@adobeforums.com]

Are you absolutely certain that all your whites at 0% your spot color and not "White".

In other words, If your art only uses Pantone 187, then for white you need to use 0% Pantone 187, not the default white in the swatches or color palette.

[j_m_floyd@adobeforums.com]

Yes, I've done that. But double checked to be sure.

Another thing, when I make a pdf and then check the separation preview, it doesn't even recognize that a spot color is in use. Just CMYK.

[Dee Holmes]

Double click on the spot color in the pallet. Is spot color unchecked?

[Gordon_Anderson@adobeforums.com]

You mentioned "tints" of the color. Were the "tints" made by screening back on the Color pallet or by screening back on the Transparency pallet. It is my understanding that the Transparencey pallet (as well as using gradients, drop shadows, many filters, etc.) read these functions in CMYK - actually turning the produced dots into CMYK, even if only spot colors are used.

You can always print out the lasers as it stands and see what prints as C, as M, and as Y to see where it is reading these colors.

Gordon

[John_Kallios@adobeforums.com]

Placed files from Photoshop 7 are monotone mode




What exact element or elements separate to cmyk?

Is it the whole Illustrator image or just the placed monotone?

Is your monotone linked or embedded?

Are you backsaving the eps files from Illustrator?

Does it separate correctly from Illustrator?

Is the spot color designated in Illustrator as a spot color?

There are a lot more questions.

You can send me a sample file to john(at)orionprinting(dot)com and I will review and post back here what the issue is exactly. If you choose not to send the file, no hard feelings.

John