Please Note: This has been re-posted with paragraph breaks after eyoungren was kind enough to let me know not to use Safari when posting!
I've been a long time Quark user and just recently updated to Adobe CS6 from CS4.I'm running into issues with the new Pantone 'Plus' system in Adobe and how it's not only displaying in Quark, but how it's affecting how I create final Press Quality PDFs. This is my standard workflow (and reasons why).
1) [b]I would create the vector graphics/logos I need in Illustrator -- and save as a Native AI files (with 'embed ICC' chosen -- since that option was the default)In CS4, that meant Pantone. In CS6 this means Pantone Plus for spot colors -- yes, I'm using spot colors in a process job, it's easier to stay somewhat consistent when producing one job to the next for colors. I do realize the PLUS system is LAB, not CMYK.
2) [b]All raster images are created in Photoshop, saved as Native PSD files in RGB. Again, I convert the RGB to CMYK (SWOP 20) when converting to final TIF.
3) I then start my page layout in Quark. Knowing the 'spot' colors I want are in the Illustrator files, i first place my Native AI files into Quark and that brings their specific colors into the palette. This way, I don't first create colors in Quark then end up having slightly different shades of the same PMS color later on. This workflow has worked well for me for years.Mostly learned this the hard way when I created layouts with Reflex Blue. The CMYK values weren't good in Quark, much better in Adobe. This produced a better Reflex Blue that wasn't purple!
4) Graphics (both vector & raster) would be placed For Placement Only (FPO). I'd send Medium Quality PDFs to client for approval.
5) After final approval, the vectors would be resized (if necessary) and saved as EPS files -- still using the PMS spot colors. The raster images would be resized (if necessary) and then converted to CMYK (using SWOP 20) and saved as a TIF.
6) The images would be re-placed into Quark.
7) I then right-click the spot colors in the color palette and choose "change to process".
8) Finally, I'd create a 'press quality' PDF, send to the printer and the results were perfect!
[b]HERE'S THE PROBLEM!
#1) Now that Adobe uses Pantone Plus, when I save the Native AI file and choose the default option of 'Embed ICC', when placed into Quark, the image is all black and white! If I save the AI file WITHOUT 'Embed ICC', when the image is brought into Quark, it looks perfect! When I save the file as an EPS, the placed image looks good as well.
#2) When I try to right click the spot color in the color palette, the "change to process" option is greyed out.
[b]SO MY QUESTIONS:
A) Is there a setting in Quark that I'm missing that will display a Native AI file that uses the new Pantone Plus system correctly so I don't have to save it as an EPS before I'm ready?
B) Besides 'editing' each spot color and changing it to CMYK (since right-clicking isn't an option), is there a better way to convert the Pantone Plus/Lab color to process within Quark?
C) Is there a better workflow?
I've read several threads about re-loading the older Pantone (CMYK based) colors into Adobe, but doesn't that defeat the purpose of 'moving forward' with new technology? And how long would those older colors be available with updates coming all the time?
Any help would surely be appreciated!!!
[b]Thank you in advance...Robert