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I have been trying for hours to get a vector file in layers (by color) so I can have my design printed and am having some real trouble with this one...
in Photoshop CS3....
Is it possible to select every pixel of an EXACT color.
.....I usually just .....
Select....color range....use the eyedropper and then alter my fuzziness as needed....
.....but pixels are still getting let behind.
I want an EXACT color range.....(no room for error with fuzziness) Is this possible????
...and is there a way to see exactly how many different pixel shades are in a given design?
If you go to window/swatches it will bring up your swatch toolbox. Designate each swatch in the toolbox to a corresponding color in the design. Erase the other default swatches. Right click the swatches that you assigned to the design colors in the toolbox, and change them from process color to spot color. Your design is print ready. No need to put them on separate layers. Depending on whether or not you need an underbase (white underbase for dark garments) or trapping (slightly wider outline) , there may be a few additional steps, but otherwise it is ready for print.
edit: here it is with all registration marks, spot colors labeled, printers notes, and center marks.
Erased all of the swatches....added my own using the eyedropper and grabing from my design...4 colors total. When I right click "my swatches" I only get three options. NEW SWATCH. RENAM SWATCH. AND DELETE SWATCH?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unik Ink
If you go to window/swatches it will bring up your swatch toolbox. Designate each swatch in the toolbox to a corresponding color in the design. Erase the other default swatches. Right click the swatches that you assigned to the design colors in the toolbox, and change them from process color to spot color. Your design is print ready. No need to put them on separate layers. Depending on whether or not you need an underbase (white underbase for dark garments) or trapping (slightly wider outline) , there may be a few additional steps, but otherwise it is ready for print.
edit: here it is with all registration marks, spot colors labeled, printers notes, and center marks.
Erased all of the swatches....added my own using the eyedropper and grabing from my design...4 colors total. When I right click "my swatches" I only get three options. NEW SWATCH. RENAM SWATCH. AND DELETE SWATCH?
The key to getting good color ranges is resolution. The higher, the better. At least 300 dpi at actual size in inches. Then select colors with "color range". We rarely use the magic wand to pick colors. Also you can adjust the "fuziness" to grab more or less edge pixels.
You can save selections as layers or channels. Learn to use channels, it will make your life easier.
when you say designate the colors, you mean just use the dropper to select the colors from my image correct? (like I did)
Correct. You can check to make sure everything is in spot color by selecting everything, Object/expand object, stroke, fill. (make sure you don't need to adjust any strokes before you do this). Then select/same/fill color. If everything selected matches the corresponding swatch; object/hide/selection. Do the same for your other 3 colors. If anything is left, then it is not in spot color. Select it, and change it to whichever color it needs to be. Object/show all.
Edit: Sorry, I misread your first post. I am giving you directions to set up vector files for Illustrator. I read vector, and immediately thought Illustrator CS3.
Ahhh....lol Photoshop CS3
I have Coreldraw x4 for my vector work....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unik Ink
Correct. You can check to make sure everything is in spot color by selecting everything, Object/expand object, stroke, fill. (make sure you don't need to adjust any strokes before you do this). Then select/same/fill color. If everything selected matches the corresponding swatch; object/hide/selection. Do the same for your other 3 colors. If anything is left, then it is not in spot color. Select it, and change it to whichever color it needs to be. Object/show all.
Edit: Sorry, I misread your first post. I am giving you directions to set up vector files for Illustrator. I read vector, and immediately thought Illustrator CS3.
in Photoshop CS3....
Is it possible to select every pixel of an EXACT color.
Save your vector file as an .eps
Open it with photoshop, it will show you an options box. UNCHECK ANTI-ALIAS
now you can use the magic wand(uncheck anti-alias for this tool too) to select only the colors you want.
....or in Photoshop use the pen tool. Put the file to resolution at size. make layers for each color and name them. The pen tool is used like a vector tool. Start by tracing each shape one at a time( select the color layer first). Clean the shape with the vector tools.Right click fill with 100% black. Right click delete path. Do this for all shapes and colors. To print, turn off all layers cept the one printing....turn reg marks on.
Have you ever tried doing the sep in Illustrator?
Since it is vector it should work well.
Just open a new file place the vector art and then use the pantone solid coated or uncoated swatches for each color needed. This will give you a spot color for each. Delete out all other swatches in your palette that are not solid pantone colors.
I have been trying for hours to get a vector file in layers (by color) so I can have my design printed and am having some real trouble with this one...
in Photoshop CS3....
Is it possible to select every pixel of an EXACT color.
.....I usually just .....
Select....color range....use the eyedropper and then alter my fuzziness as needed....
.....but pixels are still getting let behind.
I want an EXACT color range.....(no room for error with fuzziness) Is this possible????
...and is there a way to see exactly how many different pixel shades are in a given design?
THANKS!!!!
If the file is vector why do you have to rasterize it and open in Photoshop? why not separate from Draw? It seems like a lot of extra steps to me
2hrs down the drain...color selecting in CS3 
