Live Transparency Detected (Opacity)

Our system detected transparent elements in your file, such as an object or image with a lowered opacity (e.g., 50% see-through).

Why This Matters for Printing "Live" or unflattened transparencies look great on screen but can severely confuse the print software (the RIP) that processes your file. If left unflattened, transparent areas can cause white boxes to appear around your images, drop shadows to print poorly, or elements to disappear entirely.

How to Fix This Issue To ensure your transparencies print exactly as you see them, you must flatten your artwork:

• Option 1: Export as PDF/X-1a (Highly Recommended): When saving your PDF from Illustrator or InDesign, select the PDF/X-1a:2001 preset. This format automatically and safely flattens all transparencies for commercial printing.
• Option 2: Manual Flattening: In Illustrator, select all artwork (Ctrl+A / Cmd+A), go to the top menu, click Object, and select Flatten Transparency. Check your file to make sure it looks correct, then save.

Need more help? Flattening can sometimes make text look slightly bolder on screen, but it will print correctly. Reach out to our support team if you need help with your export settings!