Colors are washed out when printed

[Stuart_Stull@adobeforums.com]

I am using Illustrator 10 with Windows 2000. When plotting to an HP 755 or 5500, colors created in Illustrator look as if they are half (or more) of the density specified. Imported images (usually TIFs) print at full color value. I have checked drivers, layer values and transparency settings; this problem occurs with 3 different plotters.

[Scott_Falkner@adobeforums.com]

Are the files CMYK or RGB? If RGB, then where is the convertion to CMYK (the ink colours of your pritner) occurring? Is Illustrator doing the conversion, or is your printer? Are the placed images CMYK or RGB? Finally, are you using profiles?

Compare printing RGB Illustrator files to CMYK Illustrator files, both with and without profiles.

[Stuart_Stull@adobeforums.com]

To anyone interested, Mr. Faulkner's solution worked after much trial and error. Numerous profiles and color settings were tried before the right combination was found. Thank you, Mr. Faulkner and all who help in resolving difficulties.

[Scott_Falkner@adobeforums.com]

So, after all that testing (and wasted paper and ink), what finally worked?

[Stuart_Stull@adobeforums.com]

Scott:

Sorry about misspelling the last name.

The final solution was:

RGB mode
ColorMatch RGB Profile
Convert to Working Space--RGB and CMYK
Adobe ACE Conversion Engine
Emulation to Illustrator 6

I sent the prints to 2 separate HP 755 w/PostScript plotters on bond paper. There was a slight hue difference between the two, but both improved the quality of the solids drastically. I tried at least 15 combinations of profiles, color modes and other tweaks. (Too many to remember)

I've used AI9 for years w/o a problem. Other possible solutions on the forum were either not tried or not considered. Let's hope this helps others experiencing similar problems.

Thanks again for your help.

Stu Stull
Columbus