Quark, Photoshop, and DSC files (different issue than the similar thread below)

[PixelPusher77]

Hello all. I have searched the topics here, and I don't see any topics that deal with this issue yet (though the similar topic below comes close).

I have a job that will be 5 colors - CMYK plus one spot color. I was able to make the 5th channel for the spot color, and save it as a DCS file, and pull it into Quark - all very straightforward.

The problem I'm having is that when I try to print a mock-up here on our laserjet, everything else on the page prints except the photo thats the DCS file. I had saved it as a single-file DCS with no composite, so I went back and re-saved it with a color composite.

I haven't tried printing it that way yet, but it looks AWFUL in quark now (but before, it looked... well, normal for Quark). What I'm wondering is, should I leave it as I had it before to send to the printer, so the separations will print correctly, even though my printer doesn't play nice with it? (Then make a new file for my mock-up?)

This is the first project I've done with 5 colors, so please forgive me if this is elementary!

I guess the thing that makes me hesitant to do this is, shouldn't the CMY and K from the 5 color file still print on our printer?

Any words of wisdom would be greatly greatly appreciated!! Thank you in advance!

[Mickey]

DCS files are very funny. If you save it with the color composit it will show up at 72dpi for placement in quark, It will also print low res. There is nothing you can do to change this other than have a different file (CMYK) to place and print out on your local printer. Rest assured that it will however seporate and print fine when your printer sends it to there rip.

http://home.wi.rr.com/mygraphics/konceptcreative.jpg

[Jason Fraker]

Mickey's right. For whatever reason, there is no way to have a good printout of a DCS file. The only way to convey the crispness of the artwork to your client is to print out color seps (which will print just fine), and show him that. I once had a 2 color DCS logo, and my boss decided that we were gonna run the piece on the Color Copier to save time, so I had to scramble to re-create it as CMYK. Talk about sweating!!

-Jason
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99% of what passes for music these days, SILENCE is more compelling1

[PixelPusher77]

Ok, I feel reassured :O) Like I said this is the first thing I've done in 5 colors... a little nervous.

Thank you both so much!