I'm working with a big client on package design and I've been using Designer for the first time. The problem is getting it to the printers and/or working with anyone else that doesn't use designer. Many places want an AI or PDF file with vectors only. When creating print files sometimes things rasterize, sometimes they don't. I've noticed it depends on things that normally wouldn't be an issue.
For example, when attempting to export to PDF without any rasterization, some areas will rasterize or not depending on the ICC color profile. If I select "same as document" I get rasterization. If I manually match it to the matching document profile, no rasterization on that same area. Additionally, any organization of layers and objects gets thrown out the window. That means on export I have to go open it in Illustrator and reorganize it into groups. I'm not using layer fx, but I did try to use the transparency tool.
It seems as though others are running into the same problem- it can be hard to maintain properties (transparency, color, etc.) AND only use vectors. I can't finish this project without Illustrator, which defeats the purpose of using Designer. I need to prepare a print file with layers or groups indicating which finishes go where (organized), accurate colors, and no rasterization. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!