Export page with proper transparent drop shadows? [CS4]

[Aaron_...@adobeforums.com]

This must be blindingly obvious to someone more clued in than myself. I want to export a page -- which is composed of linked PDFs that have drop shadows applied -- and then open that page in Photoshop and save out as a PNG with transparency on all areas, including those drop shadows. Unfortunately, when opened in Photoshop the shadows fade to opaque white, not transparency. And then the saved-out PNG looks cruddy when placed on a colored background on my website.

Something to do with flattening presets / PDF export settings? (Also tried exporting as EPS, BTW.)

Thanks,
Aaron

[Steve_...@adobeforums.com]

You definitely can export a PDF with transparency by choosing a PDF preset with PDF 1.4 or higher (Acrobat 5 or higher compatibility).

When I do that on a test file, and choose File > Open in Photoshop CS4, the resulting PSD file shows transparency.

Exporting as EPS ALWAYS flattens transparency. PDF 1.3 (Acrobat 4) flattens. PostScript flattens.

[Aaron_...@adobeforums.com]

You're right, Steve. I tried Acrobat 8 compatible and it worked a charm. I guess I was using 1.3 before.

Many thanks!
Aaron