Lxi Master Plus 11 (Flexi) Export issue. HELP PLEASE!!!!

[Kollman32]

I design wraps for race cars and have my buddy print them for me, then I install them. I make my file using SAI's Lxi Master Plus V11 and export to .pdf normally. I have had an ongoing issue of exporting. I can try .pdf, .ai, .eps, and EVEN .jpeg(for proofing) and it will cause certain colors, gradients, or fills to go "missing"(appear silver-ish)..... I use my HP laptop with Adobe CS4 to open the files as does my buddy. If I open the program, open the file, and export, 85% of the time it will export "OK", but if I keep the program open and do another file it will do the same thing. I'd have to close out and re-open the file to export every single time which is time-consuming and frustrating. Is there anything I should look for or has anyone had this issue??? Any tips or tricks would be appreciated!!!

 

[thewvsignguy]

When exporting files for others to print I send it as a jpg. 72dpi at full size or a little bigger. If it's text were I know the colors won't shift then eps or and ai will work.

Every program will interpret the colors differently, and his profile in his RIP is no different.

Flatten it (rasterize) then see what happens.

 

[Kollman32]

I have to export as vector art because usually there are 2 large panels, say 36"h x 120"w(which are printed separate due to size) and about 15 contour cut decals. If I rasterize it, he won't be able to select & print, correct?

When exporting files for others to print I send it as a jpg. 72dpi at full size or a little bigger. If it's text were I know the colors won't shift then eps or and ai will work.

Every program will interpret the colors differently, and his profile in his RIP is no different.

Flatten it (rasterize) then see what happens.

 

[thewvsignguy]

It's tricky but you can still make a mask over the raster file to make the colors correct.

I'm on Flexi 10.5 and what I do once the file is ready for export is:

create an outline/contour around the graphic

separate the outline/contour from the graphic

flatten/rasterize the art to be printed, not the outline you just created

take the outline/contour and the flattened graphic then apply a "mask"

Now you have a graphic that will not color shift (as much) that can be contour cut.

 

[Kollman32]

When I do my side "panels" I make a template based off the customers measurements and use that as my mask overlay. I put on the sponsors, graphics(which go way beyond my template normally) then I use my template and create a mask then select the mask and export it to .ai, .pdf, .eps, etc. My problem is after that when I open it up in Illustrator CS4 when my colors & gradients on some objects change or disappear. Is this called color shifting???

 

[J Hill Designs]

mask a rasterized version of it, then export as pdf etc. is what he is saying

 

[thewvsignguy]

My problem is after that when I open it up in Illustrator CS4 when my colors & gradients on some objects change or disappear.

When you rasterize the object it has no way of changing or disappearing. Your vectors may need some tweaking depending on the program you open it up in.

 

[thewvsignguy]

mask a rasterized version of it, then export as pdf etc. is what he is saying

Yes, thanks for the clarification. I tend to over think/explain things.....