Datasheet

663
Book IX
Chapter 1
Prepping Graphics
for Print
Creating Spot Color Separations
If the image is being separated directly out of Photoshop, leave it as a
PSD or PDF file. If you want to import it into a different program, such as
InDesign, or QuarkXPress, you must save it as a DCS file. If your image is
a duotone, tritone, or quadtone image, you also have to go through a few
more hoops. You must first convert it to multichannel mode by choos-
ing Image➪Mode.
In the DCS 2.0 Format dialog box, make sure that the Include Halftone
Screen and Include Transfer options aren’t selected.
Import the image into your destination application and set your screen
angles.
Editing a spot channel
After you create a spot channel, you can edit it. Select the channel in the
Channels panel and use a painting or editing tool to paint with black, white,
or any shade of gray, just as you would with an alpha channel. To change
any of the options of the spot channel, double-click the spot channel thumb-
nail, or select it and then select Channel Options from the panel pop-up
menu. Select a different color or solidity.
Converting an alpha channel to a spot channel
If you want to convert an alpha channel to a
spot channel, select the alpha channel in the
Channels panel and select Channel Options
from the panel’s pop-up menu. Rename the
channel and select Spot Color. Click the color
swatch and select a color from the Color Librar-
ies section of the Color Picker. Click OK, then
click OK again. Note that Photoshop converts
all areas containing nonwhite pixels (unselect-
ed to partially selected areas) to the spot color.
With the channel still selected in the Channels
panel, choose Image➪Adjustments➪Invert to
apply the spot color to the white pixels or se-
lected areas of the alpha channel. For details
on alpha channels, see Book VI, Chapters 1
and 3.
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