5 Replies Latest reply on Dec 7, 2015 4:32 PM by Willi Adelberger

Vector Exporting as Low Resolution

robertc81720650 Dec 7, 2015 12:26 PM

Since updating to the most recent version of Adobe InDesign CC I've noticed an issue when saving print resolution files. Specifically, when I am using vector assets with small native dimensions resized for a larger project the export fails to honor the vector nature of the file, and creates some awful mess of a raster image. The only solution I've found around this is to create a high resolution raster version of the vector asset, and use that within the design. Recently I've had this happen with two backgrounds from Shutterstock:

Abstract Color Background. Vector Illustration. - 209522563 : Shutterstock

Winter Blue Background With Crystallic Snowflakes. Christmas Decoration. Vector. - 162006188 : Shutterstock

In both cases the native size of the vector file are significantly smaller than the project (the native files are ~20mm and I am using them to fill a 36" tall document, frame fill proportionally). Below is a link showcasing examples of the same file exported with the same PDF settings. The only difference is that one uses the vector asset and the other uses the vector-exported-as-jpeg asset.

InDesign Vector Export Error - Album on Imgur

This is all done in Adobe InDesign CC v11.2.0.99.

1. Re: Vector Exporting as Low Resolution

MW Design Dec 7, 2015 12:48 PM (in response to robertc81720650)

Those files have transparency by the looks of them. Try exporting as a PDF/X-4 file.

Mike
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2. Re: Vector Exporting as Low Resolution

robertc81720650 Dec 7, 2015 1:03 PM (in response to MW Design)
Thank you for your quick response. I've tried the following based on your recommendation:

Exporting using the preset "PDF/X-4:2008"
Exporting using my existing preset, selecting "PDF/X-4:2010" under the 'Standard' options menu.

In both cases the exported PDF returns the same low-quality background. Via a search through Google I also discovered recommendations for a similar issue dating back to 2012 where users recommended setting the opacity of the offending EPS file to 99.9% in order to force InDesign to render the transparency properly. Unfortunately this recommendation also solicited no change.
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3. Re: Vector Exporting as Low Resolution

Peter Spier Dec 7, 2015 1:12 PM (in response to robertc81720650)

You might have better luck if you re-save those .eps files as native .ai
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4. Re: Vector Exporting as Low Resolution

robertc81720650 Dec 7, 2015 1:30 PM (in response to Peter Spier)

This solved the issue! It's obnoxious when I think of how often I'll likely have to re-save assets in this fashion, but it's better than accidentally printing something in that awful, awful quality. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
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5. Re: Vector Exporting as Low Resolution

Willi Adelberger Dec 7, 2015 4:32 PM (in response to robertc81720650)

One factor might have an influence: Raster Effect Resolution in AI files, set them high enough, so that even upscaling them would give you enough resolution and never use EPS anymore as this is a file type from the past millennium and is not used anymore.
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