Printing Gradients

[gregory_sgambato@adobeforums.com]

Illustrator 8 - I have my gradient set at 90% solid color - 0%. I am printing offset and finding there is a hard edge on the outcome each time. Is there any one out there who has the answer to eliminating this problem of the hard edge?

[jonf@adobeforums.com]

There are discussions on similar subjects which may have some solutions for you. Try searching the forums for gradient banding and similar concepts. I expect some of those ideas may be effective in this situation, too.

[Paul_Cutler@adobeforums.com]

If you make a large gradient in Illustrator or Photoshop, it is going to band. There are only 256 levels of gray to represent each channel so if the gradient is long enough the transition will become stepped. The solution in Photoshop is to apply noise to the individual channels (usually 1% - 2% is sufficient). You could make the gradient in Photoshop, add noise, and mask it into Illustrator. GOOD LUCK!
peace

[John_Kallios@adobeforums.com]

Does your question have to do with banding?

or

Does it have to do with the gradient not fading to 0% when printed on the press?

What postscript level is the device outputting the artwork?

[Dee Holmes]

Gregory, in ecsence "is that a word" it doesn't matter what is printed out from your printer. (The one hooked up to your computer) It matters what is going to be printed on press.

Our laser printers can't handle what our RIP's do on negatives, so we see the banding on our paper printouts, but when whe go to negative film it's O.K.

I guess it would depend on your end user's RIP.