String search
Word search

Create Spot Data in Adobe Illustrator

Introduction

This section explains how to prepare images that include spot data with vector-based image editing applications such as Adobe Illustrator®. In order to print with white ink or varnish, you must first have an ONYX profile (media model) properly configured for the use of spot data.

To add spot color data to your image in Illustrator, you need to create a layer with objects in a predefined spot color. It is possible to have more than one spot element in an image, but each element must have the same Spot color data, and therefore have the same opacity level, or else ONYX Thrive will treat the saved document as a separation file. Since the Arizona printers with white ink support two spot channels, you can create one spot channel for Spot 1 data and another for Spot 2 data. CMYK is the preferred mode as the actions required for spot data creation are simpler than those for RGB.

NOTE

You can use vector-based image editing applications other than Illustrator as long as it has the Overprint feature and the ability to create a spot color.

About this task

The first step in the white ink workflow is to prepare your source image to use the spot channel. The spot data must be designed entirely on a separate channel (as a custom spot color) to be recognized by the ONYX RIP. The name you assign to this spot color must be Spot 1 or Spot 2 and is the most important part of preparing the file. This named channel allows RIP-Queue to determine that the data in the source image needs to be output to the spot channel, in this case the white ink channel.

Use the following steps to configure an Adobe Illustrator file for use with white ink:

Procedure

  1. In Illustrator, ensure that the Swatches tab is visible (under the Window menu click Swatches to view).
  2. Select New Swatch from the Swatches menu to open the Add Swatch dialog.
  3. Within the Add Swatch dialog, enter the following information:

    • Name – Enter the name Spot 1 or Spot 2.

      For instructions on how to use a naming convention other than Spot 1 or Spot 2, see How to Name Your Spot Data.

    • Color Type – Use the drop-down menu to select Spot Color.

    • Swatch Color – Use the sliders to adjust the swatch color. You can make this color any value that will help you see the design better.

  4. Click OK to save your changes and close the Add Swatch dialog. You should now have a new Spot color in your swatch palette, which is indicated with a small dot on bottom right side of swatch.
  5. Use the new swatch for any objects which need to be printed with white ink. Create or select a path and fill this path with your Spot 1 color. This filled path should be placed above image in layers palette.
  6. Save the file.
    NOTE

    In testing, we have found the .eps file format to be the best. However, Postscript and PDF files will work as well, but may require some additional setup. Make sure that when you save the file, "Preserve Overprints" is enabled.

    See Overprint Spot Data in Illustrator for more information.

Parent topic:
How to Prepare White Ink Print Jobs
Privacy Terms of use Cookie information