The Spot Window is a very powerful tool, and is commonly used to separate artwork. However, it is also very good for creating masks, which later help the separation process, because they eliminate parts of the design as you separate specific areas. This can result in a very clean separation.
If you want to learn about the benefits of masking designs before separating them, click here.
If you are not already familiar with the Spot Window, you can learn more here.
- Go to Separate Menu > Spot to open the Spot Window.
- Use the Pipette Tool to select the colour you would like to mask. This colour will appear in the foreground colour of the Tools Palette.
- Split the view of the Design Window.
- Click the New and Preview buttons in the Spot Window.
- The previewed separation will be tonal. Click the Depth button to convert it into a solid separation.
- Adjust the Gamma Curve to achieve the desired results.
- Click Fix to fix the separation.
This layer can now be converted into a selection by simply dragging it from the Layers Palette to the Selections Palette.
Tip: If you are creating several masks, we recommend naming the fixed layers as you go, making it easier to differentiate between each mask layer. These names are then carried into the Selections Palette when you drag them to it.
When you are ready to start separating, just drag the relevant selection into the Design Window prior to using any of the separation methods available to you.