Transparency problems

[eric.rktek]

I run into a problem with the transparency layer function when trying to print to pdf. The function looks great on screen, and has the ability to help put together some really great looking drawings. However, every time I make a pdf of a file using transparency, linework that is being overlayed by the semi transparent objects comes out blurred in the pdf. It also shows up in the printed file (off of a HP 130 Designjet). I have seen this happen in numerous different files. The problem goes away immediately if the layer opacity is changed back to 100%. Anything that can be done to help address this problem would be greatly appreciated.

[Drake]

I am not sure that this will help, but you can try turning on "Enable special processing for transparent color bitmaps". This can be found in the Vectorworks settings of your print dialogue screen.

[Guest]

Are you using the 130 to create the PDF or another printer?

[eric.rktek]

Katie,

I'm using the Adobe Acrobat 7 Distiller to make the pdfs. I did a test and tried the Mac pdf creator. The Mac version did not experience the blur/shift in line appearance that occurs with Acrobat. However, I often have trouble successfully printing pdfs on the HP 130 that are created with the Mac version. Something gets screwy on the Postscript side of things and parts of a drawing will end up skewed, and print that way consistently. That problem doesn't happen when using Acrobat. I'll keep trying different things, as I'm guessing NNA will say this is a problem outside of their responsiblity.

[eric.rktek]

Drake,

I didn't see that option in the print settings. Is it possible that is only an option for Windows machines or something?

[Drake]

I am using Mac 10.4.5 and that option appeared when I used Adobe PDF writer as well as my plotters (BTW we use GIMP drivers).