Transparency
Drop shadows, opacity settings and blending modes are all transparency. The PDF/X-4 format preserves them cleanly. Build your transparency effects in CMYK, on CMYK objects, to avoid a colour shift at flattening.
Overprint
Overprint prints an object on top of the background instead of knocking it out. Handy for black text and varnishes, but dangerous by accident: a white object set to overprint disappears, and a coloured one can blend into the background. Check the overprint preview before exporting.
Check before you send
- Exported as PDF/X-4 (transparency preserved)
- Transparent objects in CMYK
- No white set to overprint
- Overprint preview checked
Frequently asked questions
Why did an element disappear in print?
Usually a white object left set to overprint: it prints “transparent”. Turn overprint off on anything white.
Not sure about your file?
Our AI assistant checks your file and flags anything that needs adjusting, and can even create your print-ready artwork, bleed included. Nothing goes to press without your approval.
Related guides