User Guide

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The process of dividing the image
into two or more colors is called color
separating, and the films from which
the plates are created are called the
separations.
You can print a color or grayscale com-
posite proof to check your work or send
to the print shop with each set of sepa-
rations. You should work closely with
the print shop that will produce your
separations, consulting its experts
before beginning each job and during
the process.
Producing a color separation in Adobe
Illustrator requires five basic and two
optional steps:
• Step 1: Calibrate your color monitor
• Step 2: Check colors in your artwork
• Step 3: Select overprint options for
colors you want to appear transparent
• Step 4: Create a trap to compensate
for misregistration on press
• Step 5: Place crop marks around the
image to be separated
• Step 6: Set separation options