8 Replies Latest reply: Jun 30, 2010 6:44 PM by emilycornfield RSS

    Trouble saving PS files in Illustrator

    emilycornfield Community Member

      I have several files that I created in PSCS3. They are all simple, with two or three flat colors, one color per layer, no effects, shadows, etc. My client is having these printed in China using a type of silk screening process on mug-like items. The printer in China has asked me to resend the files in Illustrator. I am not familiar with Illustrator, but do own a copy of CS3, so I opened my PS file, dragged it to the AI icon and saved it as a layered AI file. The problem is that when I print it out on my Epson printer the AI file looks a little more fuzzy around the edges than the PS file. I checked Document Raster Effects setting in AI (a warning said it was at 72 dpi) and changed it to 300 dpi. That helped a little. But, there still is a small difference so I am wondering if there is anything else I can do to make the objects appear as smooth in AI as they are in PS. I am a little out of my depth here so I hope someone can help. (I have posted this to the Photoshop forum and it was suggested I post it with the Illustrator side as well) Thanks so much!

        • 1. Re: Trouble saving PS files in Illustrator
          Monika Gause CommunityMVP

          I assume the printing people meant, that you should send them true vector files. Not just place the images in Illustrator.

          • 2. Re: Trouble saving PS files in Illustrator
            Mylenium CommunityMVP

            As Monika said, unless you properly vectorize everything, there is no point in just embedding the PSDs in AI. Since you speak of "simple, with two or three flat colors", I'm afraid you started off on the completely wrong foot by doing it in PS in the first place. This screams "it needs to be vector" all over the place, the reason being that for silk screen you create a sieve mask for each color and for maximum sharpness of these masks, vectors work better. It's not an ultimate requirement, though, but based on that info, as a minor you must familiarize yourself with how to create spot color separations using multichannel/duoton/tritone documents in Photoshop. It may still cause fuzzy edges, but at least you should get clean colors. Otherwise you need to learn AI and re-draw all elements there, assigning proper color swatches which then could be used to create proper separations...

             

            Mylenium

            • 3. Re: Trouble saving PS files in Illustrator
              emilycornfield Community Member

              I received this response from the Illustrator forum:

               

              As Monika said, unless you properly vectorize everything, there is no point in just embedding the PSDs in AI. Since you speak of "simple, with two or three flat colors", I'm afraid you started off on the completely wrong foot by doing it in PS in the first place. This screams "it needs to be vector" all over the place, the reason being that for silk screen you create a sieve mask for each color and for maximum sharpness of these masks, vectors work better. It's not an ultimate requirement, though, but based on that info, as a minor you must familiarize yourself with how to create spot color separations using multichannel/duoton/tritone documents in Photoshop. It may still cause fuzzy edges, but at least you should get clean colors. Otherwise you need to learn AI and re-draw all elements there, assigning proper color swatches which then could be used to create proper separations..."

               

              I would appreciate being directed to a good tutorial on how to create the spot color separations spoken of here-is there one anyone recommends? Thanks!

              • 5. Re: Trouble saving PS files in Illustrator
                emilycornfield Community Member

                My images are all solid simple shapes. I actually need a Photoshop tutorial on making separations, I should have posted this request there. I need to use the artwork I have already created.

                • 6. Re: Trouble saving PS files in Illustrator
                  DesignRoo Community Member

                  I checked Document Raster Effects setting in AI (a warning said it was at 72 dpi) and changed it to 300 dpi.

                  What is the DPI of the photoshop doc you imported? Make sure that is 300dpi at creation. Don't 'resave' it to a higher DPI as that will not work - you will need to recreate at that DPI.

                  • 7. Re: Trouble saving PS files in Illustrator
                    emilycornfield Community Member

                    Yes, thanks, I am aware of how resizing works (I learned the hard way years ago). It was already a 300 dpi file. I have since "resolved" this issue somewhat as the printer decided to accept the original files I sent them in Photoshop since I couldn't easily redo them in Illustrator. Good lesson for next go round with this client.

                    • 8. Re: Trouble saving PS files in Illustrator
                      emilycornfield Community Member

                      From all the comments I saw I needed to recreate the files in Illustrator or make separations in Photoshop. The printer agreed to take my original Photoshop files afterall, so I guess they are doing the seps there. Time for me to learn Illustrator. Thanks for all your feedback and help.