Multi Ink Colors

[techleo]

Dear Tech Experts,

I have a problem for all of you. I am using QuarkXPress 5.0 with Windows 98. I am trying to make a new color. In the model option I select MultiInk option. Then Why the HELL that SPOT COLOR option grayed out...?

Please be specific in your replies. I don't need long essays.

Regards,
TechLeo

 

[blueark]

The purpose of the multi ink model is to allow you to mix existing spot colors (and process) together in varying degrees. You cannot define a new spot color this way because it only works with the inks that have been defined in your document already.

 

[el236]

where can i get more info on this topic?

Thanks in advance
EL236

~*The Art of Communication*~

 

[techleo]

Dear blueark, Thanks for your prompt reply.

But unfortunately I have one more hurdle for you.

When I mix 2 or more process colors in "New Color Dialog Box, I get a new shade which is not a spot color and it is shown as a process color by the color palette symbol.

Please contact me if further clarification is required.

Regards,
TechLeo

 

[blueark]

el236 -- I don't know where to get more info off hand, but I can explain it briefly if you like.

Suppose you have a CMYK job and you want to use the color red... you just create a new CMYK color, mix magenta and yellow, and make sure Spot Color is unchecked. Pretty basic stuff.

Now suppose you have a different job that uses, for example, 2 pantone inks instead. How do you create a color that uses 10% of one and 60% of the other? With Multi Ink mode. Just create a new color using the Multi Ink mode, select each color in turn and click on the 'shade' drop down list to pick 10% and 60% respectively.

You'll probably notice that the four process colors are always available too. Mixing them together in multi ink mode is exactly the same as mixing them using the CMYK model. The only advantage is that if you want to mix a spot color with a process color, you can do that here. If you just mix process colors, then you'll get a normal process color.

If you want to turn a multi ink color into a spot color, then make the color you want, change the model to CMYK, and check the 'spot color' check box. To be honest, if you just want to create a spot color out of process colors, you're better off using the CMYK model and checking 'spot color'. Does this answer your question techleo? I've been working for 24 hours straight so forgive me if I've misinterpreted your problem....and sorry about the long essay! Let me know if anything needs clarifying.

 

[el236]

Thanx blueark!!!

EL236

~*The Art of Communication*~

 

[appleuser]

Hello all. Am interested in overprinting spot colors. Just getting started; saw your short thread. Two questions: 1) does anyone know whether using multi ink settings in Quark poses problems for service providers or printers (specifically in RIP)? 2) is it possible to create a similar color (composed of a mix of 2-4 pantone spot colors) in any drawing or painting programs? Work-arounds, plug-ins? Thanks!

 

[blueark]

1:
I've never experienced any problems with any service providers when it comes to multi-ink mode. In comparison to some newer technologies, it's actually quite a simple process, and unlikely to create problems in any modern RIP.

2:
It's reasonably easy with Photoshop. Either create a duotone with the required colors, or create a multi-channel document (you can create as many spot channels as you like).

Illustrator is known for making spot colors as painful as possible. You can create individual spots and tints easily enough, but to mix the colors, you'd probably have to place colors on top of each other and set them to overprint. There are also some transparancy options you could use, but with spot colors, you'd be asking for trouble.