Illustrator CS MUST have PostScript printer??!!!!!!!

[Mary_Gabriel@adobeforums.com]

Hi,

I posted a thread recently regarding "jagged edges" when printing from AICS to my Epson 1270, which is a non-PS printer. I recently purchased the CS and printed a legacy file (created in AI 8.0), and it looked as though anti ailas is turned off. I created new artwork in CS and got the same results on my printer. After calling Adobe support THREE times, I am being told that since AI 9.0, files sent to a non PS printer will be a problem, as artwork smoothing is no longer available. I was told to save as PDF and print from it, which I did and got the same bad results.

I am running OSX 10.2.8 on a G4-450.

Does anyone have any suggestions? It does not seem as though I should need a PS printer or RIP software just to print something decent created in Illustrator!

Thank you,
Mary

[Buko@adobeforums.com]

I have an Epson 870 I just opened an AI 10 file in AICS and it printed just fine.

Did you let AICS convert the text??

[Mary_Gabriel@adobeforums.com]

Buko,

The text is not the only issue. If you mean did I convert to outlines, the answer is no.

Thanks,
Mary

[Buko@adobeforums.com]

I can't start AI 9 in classic to make a AI9 file and I don't have time to reboot

[Buko@adobeforums.com]

Ok. no, not convert to outlines, convert the text to the new text engine.

anyway I just opened one of the sample files that came with AI 9.

It opened and printed just fine.

the file was graph samples 1.

you could see if this file prints ok for you.
Do files you just created in AICS print as they should??

[Mary_Gabriel@adobeforums.com]

Buko,

I don't know how to convert the text to the new text engine. The artwork is also printing bad so that is a separate issue. In answer to your question, yes the printing is bad with newly created artwork in AICS as is mentioned in my initial post. Also, please read my initial post regarding AI8.0 and all versions AFTER regarding the artwork smoothing as mentioned by Adobe. I went from AI8.O to AICS. I was told anything AFTER 8.0 does not have artwork smoothing hence you need a PostScript printer. This does not seem like a realistic solution. I can only imagine there are millions of people with non PS printers expecting smooth lines when printing from Illustrator.

Thanks for trying to help though.

[Buko@adobeforums.com]

the conversion is done when you open the file in CS it will ask you do you want to update? I always check yes.

Also my AI files print just fine to my 870 which is a smaller version of the 1270. do you have the latest drivers?

If you click on my name you can send me a file that prints bad and I'll print it here and see what happens.

[Mary_Gabriel@adobeforums.com]

Hi Buko,

Oh yes, I have updated the text. I have already sent a version of this file to someone in this forum and they said it printed fine, so I don't want to waste your time. What I would like to do is send someone physical print samples. The difference from printing an AI8.0 and AICS file is huge. The same file prints perfrectly from 8.O but looks horrible printing AICS.

Thanks again for trying to help me.

By the way, I do have the latest Epson 1270 driver and recently reinstalled.

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

I sent you an e-mail you can send it to me.

[bonnie_thompson@adobeforums.com]

am having the same problem with illustrator 10 and my new 2200 - did you happen to figure out the problem?????

any help appreciated

-bonnie.

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

Bonnie perhaps your problem is different when you select in the print dialog the printer button and the Epson drivers appear and you select your paper type where is gives you the choice for resolution you will notice to the left that there are options like High Quality Halftone and High Speed make sure High Speed is unchecked it is checked by default I don't know why.

Also every time you change the paper type and choose a higher resolution you will have to make sure that High speed is unchecked.

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

I am going to ask Mary a silly question are you ready Mary?
…

OK have you checked the alignments of the printer heads?

I said it was stupid!

[bonnie_thompson@adobeforums.com]

am pretty sure i was having the problem printing under the highest quality settings (no high speed) but i will try again just to be sure.

[Mary_Gabriel@adobeforums.com]

Wade,

I did nozzle and alignment checks. I used to work at a Digital Photo Lab, so I am most familiar with inkjet printing.

Not a stupid question though.

Bonnie,

I will keep you posted. So far, I am thoroughly confused and frustrated why this is happening. I don't believe that I should have to have a PostScript printer. What is happening with your Epson 2200?

[bonnie_thompson@adobeforums.com]

jaggedy edges on curves. even when printing highest quality. it doesnt look like *crap* per se, meaning, its not *terribly* noticable, but to me *it is* and i want it gone.

dont remember this being an issue with my little 820 at ALL.

[Mary_Gabriel@adobeforums.com]

Yes Bonnie! It does seem more noticable on curves now that you mention it. However, I could see it in the text and straight lines as well. I think it looks like crap compared to the results I got from AI8.0 Did you have an earlier version of Illustrator or did you pin point your problem to the printer change?

[Lance_K@adobeforums.com]

Hi Mary,

Could you contact me via e-mail regarding your experience with Adobe support? (click on my name above for my e-mail address).

Thanks,

Lance

[Doug_Katz@adobeforums.com]

Mary, I can guarantee you that you don't need a PostScript printer. That's
simply not the case at all. AICS should print beautiful curves to a 1270 or
1280 (I have the latter) so long as the FILE resolution is reasonable (240ppi,
360ppi, 480ppi), the STROKE WEIGHT is not exceptionally light (e.g., .25 pt),
and you've selected the right PAPER and PRINT QUALITY settings in your Print
dialog.

[Mary_Gabriel@adobeforums.com]

Doug,

I absolutely believe that I don't need a PS printer! The resolution of my files is high and the stroke weight is 2 pts. I am going to send physical prints to someone from this thread. If you would be willing, I would be interested in sending you samples as well. Particularly since you have a 1280. What system are you running?

I have to say, I was shocked when Adobe tech support told me I had to have a PS printer to expect good quality results. The third tech I spoke with had me flatten the transparency, which made even more hideous results!

If you have any suggestions, I would be grateful because I am at a loss as what else to try.

Thanks!
Mary