j_top

Hi, I'm preparing a CD label for printers, and I'd like to include non-printing items - specifically, a stroked path imported from Photoshop and designated "non-printing" via the Attributes panel, showing the cropping paths for the outside and inner circles of the CD label.

Can I make a PDF that shows these but will not print them?

I'm using CS3 on a Macbook Pro.

Thanks to any genius out there.

Jim

scott falkner

Print a PostScript file with Include Nonprinting Items on and distil in Acrobat Distiller. You can also plan ahead by using an Object Style for non-printing items. Modify the style to turn them on or off. Most people put such notes on their own layer, so they can hide and show the layer to control printing, too.

bob levine

Put the items you don't want to print on they're own layer. Export a
layered PDF and let the printer know that that layer is for die lines.

Bob

scott falkner

Can I make a PDF that shows these but will not print them?


Totally missed that line. Nice one, Boob.

j_top

Thanks Scott and Bob, it sounds so easy but I was flummoxed.

It would be good if I could make a single-layered PDF with non-printing guides showing on-screen only, though. Maybe in CS4?

bob levine

You can...use a spot color and set it to overprint. Again, let the
printer know what you've done.

Bob

j_top

That I don't get, sorry. If I use a spot color, does the printer then just ignore it? I'd be worried that the printer, or an assistant, would finally just print it.

I guess a lot of designers have better relationships with their printers than I'm able to in my current situation, where there's always a middle person who I have to communicate through.

scott falkner

If you can't trust the printer to follow directions, then you need a new printer. Make it clear on a printed proof that the dieline is a spot colour and is not to be printed. Also include that instruction in the file, like a line of text in the dieline colour saying DO NOT PRINT GUIDELINE COLOR is bold, CAPS, underlined, and blinking.

j_top

I understand the concept of close relationships with printers, but in my situation it's just not possible. For one thing, I'm in France, and there is less agreement on the right of the designer - there's an idea that once I've done my job it's passed to the next expert, and to interfere borders on impolite. Secondly, I'm designing for a large organization that hires me to design and then takes my files and passes them to the printer.

I try as I can to even have the contact details of the printer, and sometimes someone will understand that I'm doing this in the interests of quality, but it's not easy because it's not how it's normally done.

it's getting better as printers are becoming younger and more "tuned in". But it's not easy, and I can't change printers.