HELP Blending PMS Colors to Create a Third

[Dimitry_Ekzarkhov@adobeforums.com]

Hello.

I am working on a two color logo in Illustrator CS and would like to take my two PMS Spot colors and create a third. I am able to do this in InDesign, but need the option in Illustrator CS. I would like to do this so I can have a darker color to the logo after I import it into InDesign CS.

Thank you for your help.
--Dimitry

[Scott_Falkner@adobeforums.com]

You cannot blend between two spot colour to create a third spot colour. You can blend one spot colour into another, creating separations that show each blend fading to/from white. You cannot mix spot colours in your gradients, but you can make two gradient, 10% colour 1 to 40% colour one (overprint fill) exactly on top of 80% colour 2 to 20% colour two. That will separate, and give blends with screens of both colours all the way through.

[Dee Holmes]

Scott is right, check overprint on your fill.

Also go to view overprint preview to see results.

[John_Slate@adobeforums.com]

Actually you can blend two spot colors and make a third spot color, just not digitally.

Just put some of each ink in a can and stir XD

[John_Kallios@adobeforums.com]

You can also create a graphic style of the two pms colors to apply to your elements. When creating the style, you can either choose to overprint the top spot to the bottom or have the top spot multiply the bottom.

Both have advantages and disadvantages. If you have issues with transparency, use overprint.

[jonf@adobeforums.com]

Or if you only have one or two objects, dispense with the style, and just duplicate the object. The bottom layer can be color 1 at whatever percentage you want, the top layer color two. Set the top layer to multiply and you should be done.

[ImJeffP@adobeforums.com]

Then there's the CMYK trick, where, for instance, C=Reflex Blue and M=185. It'll look funny on screen, but it'll separate, and you can make all the mixes you want.