changing a 4 colour gradient to a spot gradient

[Activeman]

Hi

I have a vector eps file that has a graduated tint in it. It is currently set up 4 colour process is there a straight forward way to make it 2 spot colours with out effecting the tinted gradient

Thanks

[mattbeals]

No, but you can try with PitStop Extreme.

[Activeman]

Thanks but I do not have this programme any other ways?

[Streamlpress]

I would try to open it in Adobe Illustrator, add the spot colors and adjust it there.

[Streamlpress]

One other thing you could try, if your rip has this capability, is to see if you can pick the 2 dominant process colors used and remap these to 2 spot colors for output. Prinergy and Rampage can do this though I'm not sure if what you're using can.

[SnappySteve]

One other thing you could try, if your rip has this capability, is to see if you can pick the 2 dominant process colors used and remap these to 2 spot colors for output. Prinergy and Rampage can do this though I'm not sure if what you're using can.

You can also do do this process that Streamlpress noted- then change the rest of your spot color material to those two process colors and only release the 2 plates. We have done this frequently because it can get a little messy playing with the spot colors in the graduated tints.

[buckeye]

What programs DO you have?

[Lukas Engqvist]

Phantasm CS pluggin for illustrator can also remap one colour to a spot colour.

I would not say t is always easy, it does depend on how the gradient looks. For mixing spot colours I find InDesign does have great support making it possible to mix one or more spot colours in a gradient. To do the same in Illustrator (without plugin it does mean using overprint or transparency to blend two spot colours)

[phantasm]

Phantasm CS pluggin for illustrator can also remap one colour to a spot colour.

Thanks Lukas for the mention.

All you have to do using Adobe Illustrator with the Phantasm CS plugin is to select the gradient(s) and apply a Phantasm CS Duotone. A few clicks and it's done! You can also fine-tune each spot ink using curves to get the result you want.

Overview movie may be found here: www.astutegraphics.com/movies/8_duotone_tool.mov