can't make 100% black

[phyllis]

I'm having a problem with Illustrator CS3. I have an envelope that's in a rich black. I've tried over and over to modify the black to be K=100% with no values for cyan, magenta and yellow. But after I save and reopen the values have reverted to rich black. Any ideas what would cause this? I'll attach the file I'm trying to convert.

Thanks, Phyllis

[phyllis]

Okay I finally just made a new document and copied the artwork into it. Then I could modify the black.

Is there something I don't understand about the structure of this document that prevented me from changing the colors? Or do you think it's just the file is messed up somehow? I don't know enough about Illustrator to understand it.

Thanks, Phyllis

[kazbear]

Your original document is RGB. Convert it to CMYK, change your blacks... Should be all set

[phyllis]

Ah, so simple! :-) For some reason, I thought Illustrator documents could be spec'ed multiple ways. It lets me choose CMYK and spot colors -- just doesn't work after it's saved. Confusing!

Thanks, Phyllis