Client wants .ai file but it doesn't display correctly?

Question

I have a client from hell, she wants my original .ai files and that is fine, however she downloaded Ai CC and is now complaining that "things don't show up right"... this is a map and has about 70 layers and is very complex.I outlined the fonts, I embedded all the files, I packaged the project but still she complains that I am doing something to prevent her from seeing the file properly. She claims that some the "houses" I created and saved into my symbols pallet and used on the map are not showing up in the right color. I am trying to tell her that it is a settings issue or a layer issue, but if I flatten the layers she won't be able to modify at all. I provided 100% vector PDFs but she isn't happy. Advice? What would you do? What would you do to the file before you send it? Help this is the job I have only heard about from others :)

Answer 1

You've done everything right - if the PDF looks right, that's all she should need, and you could preserve the AI editing capabilities. I would not turn over .AI files to a difficult client or to someone who is not skilled in Illustrator. Saving to an older version of Illustrator can help at times, or even using EPS.

To solve her issue ask her to take a screenshot of what's not displaying correctly - there could be problematic artwork in spite of all you've done. I use Astute Graphics' Vector First Aid to clean up files and reduce their complexity before sending them on to customers and vendors.