Epson 1520 User Manual

Page 1
TM
A Product Of High Res Solutions
Hesperia, CA. 92345
Toll Free 800-640-2768 • fax 760-947-1380
HighResSolutions.com • HighResSolutions@msn.com
Hy-Rez QuikRIP is protected by international copyright law. No part of this software or
manual may be duplicated, modified or redistributed in any manner whatsoever without
the written consent of the copyright holder. Consent is never considered nor granted. All
configuration files, methods and sequences employed to create, extract, separate,
property of the copyright holder.
Hy-Rez QuikRIP was created by the developer of QuikSeps Color Separation Software exclusively
for High Res Solutions.
QuikStart Manual
Page 2
A Product of High Res Solutions
11355 Mariposa Road • Hesperia, CA 92345
Toll Free 800-640-2768 •Fax 760-947-1380
HighResSolutions.com • HighResSolutions@msn.com
Limited W arranty on Hy-Rez QuikRIP products.
High Res Solutions warrants that the disc is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use
and service for which this hardware is designed for a period of 90 days from date of receipt of purchase.
Failure of the hardware resulting from accident, abuse, or misapplication is not covered under this Limited
W arranty . Other than the above limited warranty , High Res Solutions makes no other warranty whatsoever,
either legal or conventional, expressed or implied, with respect to the licensed software and hardware. Y ou are
advised to read the User Manual and test the software thoroughly before relying on it. Y ou assume the risk of
using the licensed software. Because of the diversity of conditions and hardware under which this software may
be used, no warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is given. Some regions do not allow
the exclusion of implied warranties so the above exclusion may not apply .
This product is protected under International Copyright Laws. No part of this software or manual may be
reproduced mechanically or electronically or in any form without prior written permission of the Copyright
holder . The use and copying of this product is subject to the license agreement that must registered and ac-
cepted by High Res Solutions in order to complete installation of this product. High Res Solutions assumes no
responsibilities or liability for any errors or inaccuracies on this document. Federal Copyright laws permit you to
make a backup of this product for archival purposes only . Any duplication of this product, including but limited
to, copies for sale, loan, rental, or gift is strictly forbidden and subject to both criminal and civil penalties.
All Trademarks and tradenames are acknowledged. Postscript, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator are
trademarks of Adobe Inc. Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Corp.
High Res Solutions 2003©
2
Page 3
What Exactly Is Hy-Rez QuikRIP?
Quite simply, Hy-Rez QuikRIP is a set of highly calibrated configura­tion settings and postscript printer description files that run within CADlink PhotoScript.
These allow an ordinary Epson 3000 or 1520 ink jet printer to gener­ate accurate imagesetter-style film positives for use within the screen printing industry.
Without an application (RIP) such as this along with the screenprint specific calibration our product provides, it would be impossible to generate any form of usable halftones with your ink jet printer!
Getting Started
Note: If not already completed, the drivers included with your
Epson 3000 or 1520 printer must be installed. These are needed to perform general maintenance on the printer such as head cleanings. However, DO NOT install the Epson Stylus RIP Postscript
Driver!
The installation of this driver will cause conflicts with PhotoScript and Hy-Rez QuikRIP. If this driver has been installed, remove all software associated with the printer and reinstall only the printer driver, omitting the Epson Stylus RIP Postscript Driver.
It is VITAL to first install PhotoScript prior to running the Hy-Rez QuikRIP installer!
If PhotoScript is not installed first, the RIP will not function properly. Carefully follow the installation instructions in the PhotoScript manual and make sure NOT to have the dongle inserted during in­stallation.
When prompted to select your printer during installation, only install the driver for your printer, the Epson 3000 or 1520. Do not simply check the Epson box. Doing so will install drivers and print modes for an excessive number of printers.
3
Page 4
The first section of this quikstart manual primarily refers to Windows.
Mac users please see section 2.
Installing Hy-Rez QuikRIP - Windows
When the PhotoScript installation is complete, after your computer has been restarted, and the port has been selected for your printer, its time to install Hy-Rez-QuikRIP. (Youll be prompted to select a port at restart, choose LPT1 on a PC)
Insert the Hy-Rez QuikRIP CD and run the installer. The installer will copy the correct version to either Windows 95 - 98 - 2000 - ME ­XP - XP Pro or NT.
We recommend that you restart your computer again after installing Hy-Rez QuickRip.
Using Hy-Rez QuikRIP - Windows
First insert the security dongle into an available USB port. Without it PhotoScript will not function. Do not lose this small piece of equipment! The cost of replacement is the price of the software package.
The installer has placed many files within PhotoScript itself in addi­tion to the items below now located on the desktop. The Hy-Rez QuikRIP application icon, 2 folders containing modified PPDs for the Epson 3000 and 1520, in addition to a copy of this manual. The screenprint specific calibration files have been installed within Pho­toScript.
The Hy-Rez QuikRIP application will also be accessible through the Start Menu of your PC.
4
Page 5
Running The Updater - Windows
The final step to install­ing is to update the system PPDs to match the custom PPDs the installer has placed on the Desktop.
Open the folder on the CD named Updater Windows QuikRIP and double click the QuikRIP PPD Updater.
Your system PPDs have now been updated.
This step is VERY im­portant and MUST be followed.
You may disregard the other files in the folder however if the updater is copied to your com­puter, the entire folder must be copied! The other files are needed by the updater to adjust your system!
Note: PPDs are called SPDs on Windows 95-
98. If using 95-98, select the SPD file when the loading of a printer description file is re­quired. This is dis­cussed later in this manual.
5
Page 6
Here are the 5 custom print modes youll be using.
The names of these modes are:
Hy-Rez QuikRip 1 Hy-Rez QuikRip 2 Hy-Rez QuikRip 3 Hy-Rez QuikRip Dark Hy-Rez QuikProof
The QuickRip 1 setting is most likely the one of choice if you have difficulty in controlling dot gain on press. This setting modifies the density of the entire usable tonal range so a 10% - 20% - 30% etc., dot images to the substrate correctly in less than ideal conditions.
The QuickRip 2 and QuickRip 3 we refer to as our Normal Modes. The primary difference is the manner in which the 5% to 20% tonal range are modified. You may find the #3 setting more appealing when outputting art from Illustration software such as FreeHand, Illustrator and Corel. This is especially true if the art contains postscript gradients.
The QuickRip Dark setting initially scales back the size of the half­tone dots themselves allowing for a second pass of ink within the ink jet. This setting is useful when imaging to poor quality film. Those who only use high-quality film such as Hy-Rez Polyester Ink Jet Imaging Film available from High Res Solutions will not have to use this setting.
The QuikProof mode is for outputting an accurate color proof of your image.
All settings above are employed to generate film positives and control the entire usable tonal range of 5% - 80%, not only the 5% - 20% range. Attempting to use PhotoScript without Hy-Rez QuikRIP will provide unsatisfactory results on press.
6
Page 7
Running Hy-Rez QuikRIP - Windows
Double-click the Hy-Rez QuikRIP icon on your desktop to launch the RIP. The below window will appear. Time to launch may vary greatly depending on your computer.
Now select the Options menu and choose Printer Configuration
7
Page 8
This launches the PhotoMatch Screen. If only one ink jet model is installed, the printer name will default to it.
8
Page 9
Under the File menu select Open PrintMode. A dialog box will appear containing the 5 custom Hy-Rez QuikRIP modes in addi­tion to the default modes included with PhotoScript.
Select the PrintMode you have decided to use and click OK.
9
Page 10
The next step is to load these settings into the RIP. From the File menu select Send Settings
10
Page 11
Once Send Settings has been initiated, you will notice activity in the original PhotoScript screen. These printer configurations have now been loaded into the RIP and are awaiting instructions from the graphics application used to output the art... Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel, etc.
Close the large PhotoMatch screen (pictured on the previous page) by selecting Exit from the File menu.
Note that clicking the close box will not close this screen.
The smaller PhotoMatch screen above MUST REMAIN
OPEN AT ALL TIMES for the RIP to function.
If a change in PrintModes is required during the day, its not necessary to quit PhotoScript, just select Printer Configuration again and repeat the process.
The configuration of the RIP is now complete and youre now ready to print from your graphics applica­tion.
11
Page 12
Printing With Hy-Rez QuikRIP - Windows
You have made it through the hardest part and printing from within an application is no different than what youve done in the past.
The RIP functions basically like a postscript laser printer attached to your system so no special knowledge is required to print using your ink jet along with the RIP.
There are only a few important factors to remember. The first is selecting the printer from within the application. If an Epson 3000 is installed for example, youll notice 2 printer drivers describing this printer in the print dialog box. The printer driver to select is
Epson Color Stylus 3000. This is the PhotoScript driver. The
other is the generic Epson driver installed when the printer was first placed into service. Do Not use this driver!
The next step is to load the correct PPD file if needed. Not all graphic applications require a PPD to be loaded, Photoshop does not require one but most Vector based programs such as Illustra­tor and FreeHand do. Without loading the correct PPD, you wont have access to vital aspects such as selecting which colors to print, setting line screen angles, halftone frequency, etc.
Weve included customized PPDs for both the Epson 3000 and 1520 within a folder placed on the desktop during installation. The PPDs installed within your system have also been modified during the installation process to work with the RIP. These may also be selected.
You have purchased a high end postscript RIP. You should already be aware of the correct procedure of printing from graphic applica­tions (if you are not, please refer back to your graphics application manual). We will discuss printing from a Vector based program that requires a PPD to be loaded on the following pages. Printing directly from Photoshop is discussed at the end of the manual.
12
Page 13
WARNING
Windows Users Only
“The Most Important Part Of The Manual”
Do not relocate the PhotoScript Folder to another location on your hard drive. It must remain where the installer has originally placed it.
If you decide to read the PhotoScript manual, you must still use our technique to print using the RIP and not CADlinks.
DO NOT follow the Photoscript manual instructions on printing from an application!
Do not attempt to select a Print Mode through the Device Options Tab of the Print Properties dialog box.
Attempting to select a Hy-Rez QuikRIP PrintMode from within an applications print dialog box may not work!
Hy-Rez QuickRIP settings MUST be loaded and sent to the RIP in the manner outlined previously.
The application used to output the films will automatically utilize these settings as the current settings.
It is important that the instructions in this manual are followed exactly as stated to avoid any problem with performance and accuracy.
13
Page 14
Printing With Hy-Rez QuikRIP - Windows
Selecting The Printer and PPD File
The graphic below does not show the original Epson 3000 printer driver from the manufacturer, it does however illustrate the correct file to choose.
This screen shot is from Illustrator 8.0. The printer name could be displayed slightly differently in other applications. Just make certain it begins with Epson Stylus Color 3000 or Epson Stylus
Color 1520.
14
Page 15
The graphic below displays the correct PPD file being chosen.
15
Page 16
After the PPD has been selected and loaded, you may now apply advanced printing instructions to the graphic. Once satisfied with the settings just click print!
Weve used Adobe Illustrator in these examples. The settings within other applications may appear different but work in a similar fashion. Consult your application manual for further information.
Remember, outputting directly from Adobe Photoshop does not require the use of a PPD file.
Refer to the back of the manual for tips on outputting films directly from Photoshop.
16
Page 17
Expect the films to require considerable time to process. If youre accustomed to a postscript laser printer, the time required to print a set of separations will seem very long. Separations could take 10 minutes per color depending on complexity, film size, coverage, etc.
The good news is that while the image is printing, you may use the host computer (the one thats actually sending the job to the printer) for other things! The RIP handles everything, runs in the background and frees up the system.
Another plus is the excellent registration and clarity of the films when compared to laser output. The films are actually clear and not frosted. Due to the complete lack of heat in the process, registration is precise. However, we recommend the use of cut film sheets only, feeding from a roll could prove problematic, especially with registration.
Remember this is an ink jet and wet ink is being applied to the film. Please allow ample time for the films to dry prior to use. Although not a requirement, it may be helpful to spray the films (once completely dry) with a clear fixative spray (very light coating) to improve durability in the handling, storage and exposure process. Its also a good idea to slip-sheet the imaged film with paper for storage.
17
Page 18
Troubleshooting Hy-Rez QuikRIP
Windows & Macintosh
For the most part, weve had very little difficulty with PhotoScript along with Hy-Rez QuikRIP but there are a few matters that might show up.
Problem: The RIP doesnt recognize the USB dongle.
Two reasons could cause this problem. First the dongle was inserted into the computer prior to installation or, second PhotoScript is installed on Windows XP, XP Pro, 2000 or possibly NT. To fix problem #1, reinstall PhotoScript without the dongle inserted. Problem #2, remove the dongle from the computer and run the dongle.exe installer located in the PhotoScript folder. Restart the computer and reinsert the dongle.
Problem: The RIP doesnt recognize the Parallel Dongle.
Follow the instructions above however DO NOT remove or install the Parallel Dongle while the computer is turned on. Doing so could damage your system!
Problem: (Mac Only) The RIP is asking me for a serial number.
A label should be applied to the dongle that contains a number such as dtpp110030um. Enter this number and reinsert the dongle.
Problem: Computer machine code is imaging to the film and not the artwork.
This could happen if youve attempted to restart a stopped or paused print job. This can get very expensive if not caught in time since your printer will continue to output sheet after sheet of text at high speed to your film.
First, pause the printer. Second, locate CLEO, the small cat icon on the lower right corner of the screen (in the System Tray along side the system clock), right click it and choose Close. Now select EXIT within the PhotoScript File Menu.
You may also have to open the Printers Menu (Start Menu / Settings / Printers), select your PhotoScript printer by double clicking its icon and select Purge Print Documents from the Printer Menu. This will make certain all data has been flushed from the system.
On a Mac, Pause the printer, stop the RIP, close the RIP.
We recommend that you restart the computer.
18
Page 19
Problem: (Mac) I cant select my laser printer or alternate print­ing device! Im only allowed to print using the Epson PhotoScript printer.
First turn your laser printer on. Then use the Chooser and once again select the correct printer driver and alternative printer. This is most likely PSPrinter or LaserWriter 8 if using a postscript laser. To re-select the Epson PhotoScript printer, open the Chooser and select the PhotoScript Printer Driver.
Problem: The RIP cant locate or open PhotoMatch Creator.
Try launching PhotoMatch Creator manually after launching Photo­Script by double-clicking it. PhotoMatch is located within the Photo­Script folder. If this doesnt work, close then restart the RIP and try again. If the problem persists after physically restarting the sys­tem, reinstall PhotoScript followed by Hy-Rez QuikRIP.
Note: PhotoMatch Creator is not included with the Mac version.
Problem: Im printing a 1 color document from my Illustration program (FreeHand, Illustrator, etc.) and even after setting the line screen and angle (example: 55 lpi - 26 degrees) in the print options, the RIP doesnt use the settings from the application. It seems to be printing at a high line screen and incorrect angle! (example: 80 lpi - 45 degrees
Most likely youre attempting to output the image as a composite. Although the image is only 1 color, it must be treated as a separa­tion. Simply uncheck the composite box and choose separations. Now select the black and apply the screen settings to that color.
which is unusable)
___________________________________________________________________________
In conclusion, most problems can be resolved by reinstalling the programs. It requires only a few minutes and its virtually guaran­teed to eliminate the trouble of trying to pinpoint the exact mal­function.
Postscript RIPs use very precise language and the slightest misconfiguration of an error could render the RIP useless. So when in doubt, reinstall!
Please register with cadlink.com for advanced technical support of PhotoScript. They can help if a major hardware or software conflict arises or for issues beyond the scope of our aftermarket screen print specific Hy-Rez QuikRIP.
The next section deals with installation and printing from a Macintosh.
19
Page 20
Macintosh Installation and Use
What Exactly Is Hy-Rez QuikRIP?
Quite simply, Hy-Rez QuikRIP is a set of highly calibrated configuration settings and postscript printer description files that run in CADlink PhotoScript.
These allow an ordinary Epson 3000 or 1520 ink jet printer to generate accurate imagesetter-style film positives for use within the screen printing industry.
Without an application (RIP) such as this along with the screenprint specific calibration our product provides, it would be impossible to generate any form of usable halftones with your ink jet printer!
Getting Started
Note: If not already completed, the drivers included with your
Epson 3000 or 1520 printer must be installed. These are needed to perform general maintenance on the printer such as head cleanings.
However, DO NOT install the Epson Stylus RIP Postscript Driver!
The installation of this driver will cause conflicts with PhotoScript and Hy-Rez QuikRIP. If this driver has been installed, remove all software associated with the printer and reinstall only the printer driver omitting the Epson Stylus RIP Postscript Driver.
It is VITAL to first install Prior to running the Hy-Rez QuikRIP installer!
If PhotoScript is not installed first, the RIP will not function properly. Carefully follow the installation instructions in the PhotoScript manual and make sure NOT to have the dongle inserted during installation.
When prompted to select your printer during installation only install the driver for your printer, the Epson 3000 or 1520. Do Not simply check the Epson box, doing so will install drivers and print modes for an excessive number of printers. Only install the driver for your printer, the Epson 3000 or 1520.
At the end of the PhotoScript installation, a prompt will be issued to install Quark specific files. If Quark is not installed on your system, just click cancel.
20
Page 21
Installing Hy-Rez QuikRIP - Macintosh
After the PhotoScript installation is complete and your computer has been restarted, its time to install Hy-Rez-QuikRIP.
Insert the Hy-Rez QuikRIP CD and run the Mac installer.
Although not required to restart again following the installation of Hy-Rez QuikRIP, we recommend that you do so.
Using Hy-Rez QuikRIP - Macintosh
The installer has placed three files on the desktop (pictured below) in addition to many other files within PhotoScript itself. Simply launch the Hy-Rez QuikRIP application. Youll now be asked for a serial number, enter the number located on the label of the USB Dongle and click ok.
The security dongle may now be inserted into an available USB port. Without it, PhotoScript will not function. Do not lose this small piece of equipment! The cost of replacement is the price of the software package itself.
At this point if PhotoScript does not recognize the dongle, quit the program and relaunch the application. Its not necessary to restart the computer.
The folder titled Epson PPDs contain modified postscript page de­scription files which are required by Illustration programs such as FreeHand and Illustrator in addition to most Page Layout applica­tions such as PageMaker.
The Hy-Rez QuikRIP application will also be accessible through the primary directory of your internal hard drive.
21
Page 22
Running The PPD Updater - Macintosh
Open the folder on the CD named QuikRIP Updater and double click the QuikRIP PPD Updater.
Your system PPDs have now been updated and now match the custom PPD the installer has placed on the Desktop.
22
Page 23
Here are the 5 custom print modes youll be using.
The names of these modes are:
Hy-Rez QuikRip 1 Hy-Rez QuikRip 2 Hy-Rez QuikRip 3 Hy-Rez QuikRip Dark Hy-Rez QuikProof
The QuickRIP 1 setting is most likely the one of choice if you have difficulty in controlling dot gain on press. This setting modifies the density of the entire usable tonal range so a 10% - 20% - 30% etc., dot images to the substrate correctly in less than ideal conditions.
The QuickRIP 2 and QuickRIP3 we refer to as our Normal Modes. The primary difference is the manner in which the 5% to 20% tonal range are modified. You may find the #3 setting more appealing when outputting art from Illustration software such as FreeHand, Illustrator and Corel. This is especially true if the art contains post­script gradients.
The Dark setting initially scales back the size of the halftone dots themselves allowing for a second pass of ink within the ink jet. This setting is useful when imaging to poor quality film. Those who only use high-quality film such as Hy-Rez Polyester Ink jet Imaging Film available from High Res Solutions will not have to use this setting.
The QuikProof mode is for outputting an accurate color proof of your image.
All settings above are employed to generate film positives and control the entire usable tonal range of 5% - 80%, not only the 5% - 20% range. Attempting to use PhotoScript without Hy-Rez QuikRIP will provide unsatisfactory results on press.
23
Page 24
Setup Hy-Rez QuikRIP - Macintosh
Once the RIP is launched, locate the Options Menu and choose Out­put Selection.
Within the Output Selection Window choose the installed printer the RIP will utilize, such as the Epson 3000 and select the Port the device is attached to. In the case of Mac users, select the USB Port. If you have not done so already, a Serial to USB adapter must be purchased to connect the Epson 3000 to a Macintosh.
Once the correct printer and port has been selected, click OK.
24
Page 25
Setup Desktop Printer - Macintosh
The creation of a Desktop Printer is required on a Macintosh for correct use of the RIP. A Desktop Printer basically defines a given printer installed and assures the proper output settings are avail­able within applications used to image to the device.
To setup a Desktop Printer for the RIP, locate the PS Desktop Printer Utility located within the PhotoScript 7 folder and launch the appli­cation.
25
Page 26
After the window at the left appears, make certain to select PhotoScript 8.7 and then choose PhotoScript Lite (Direct) to create the Desktop Printer with.
Click the Change button next to the Generic Printer Icon above to locate the correct PPD File.
26
Page 27
Select the correct PPD within the window at left. If for any reason the proper Epson PPD does not appear in the list, navigate to the desktop, open the Epson PPDs folder and choose the PPD for the installed printer.
Now save the desktop printer. In the example below weve named the desktop printer Epson 3000.
27
Page 28
The new Desktop Printer Icon is now
visible on the desktop.
Printing From An Application - Macintosh
The following example of printing from a Mac application employs the use of an Illustration Program. Weve used Illustrator 9.0. Illustration programs require the use of a PPD file to be loaded which is covered in the following example. Well discuss printing from Photoshop in addition to suggested line screens and angles at the end of the manual.
First open the Chooser from the Apple Menu and select the PhotoScript
8.7 Printer Driver.
Upon selecting Print from within your application, the print dialog box will appear. Make sure the correct printer is selected then scroll down to Printer Extensions 1. (following page)
28
Page 29
Now select the desired Hy-Rez QuikRIP Mode within the Print Mode Menu.
29
Page 30
The graphic below outlines the procedure to load the PPD file. First select the current application, in this example Adobe Illustrator 9.0 then click Separation Setup. When the Separations Window appears, click Open PPD and find the correct PPD file. In our example the PPD to select is Epson Color Stylus 3000.
If the PPD is unavailable, navigate to the Desktop and choose the PPD from the Epson PPDs Folder the installer has placed on your computer.
30
Page 31
After the PPD has been loaded, you will have access to advanced printing functions such as selecting desired colors, line screen frequency, screen angles, etc.
Weve used Adobe Illustrator in these examples. The settings within other applications may appear different but work in a similar fashion. Consult your application manual for further information.
Remember, outputting directly from Adobe Photoshop does not require the use of a PPD file.
Refer to the back of the manual for tips on outputting films directly from Photoshop.
31
Page 32
Expect the films to require considerable time to process. If youre accustomed to a postscript laser printer, the time required to print a set of separations will seem very long. Separations could take 10 minutes per color depending on complexity, film size, coverage, etc.
The good news is that while the image is printing, you may use the host computer (the one thats actually sending the job to the printer) for other things! The RIP handles everything, runs in the background and frees up the system.
Another plus is the excellent registration and clarity of the films when compared to laser output. The films are actually clear and not frosted. Due to the complete lack of heat in the pro­cess, registration is precise. However, we recommend the use of cut film sheets only, feeding from a roll could prove problematic, especially with registration.
Remember this is an ink jet and wet ink is being applied to the film. Please allow ample time for the films to dry prior to use. Although not a requirement, it may be helpful to spray the films (once completely dry) with a clear fixative spray (very light coat­ing) to improve durability in the handling, storage and exposure process. Its also a good idea to slip-sheet the imaged film with paper for storage.
32
Page 33
Recommended Line Screens & Angles
Recommended Line Screens and Angles Simulated Process, Complex Vector Art:
White Underbase * 50 LPI - 56 Degrees
Highlight White 50 LPI - 56 Degrees
All Top Colors / Spot Colors / Including Black 55 LPI - 26 Degrees
* If you decide to use mesh below 180 for the White Underbase such as 156, output this film at 45 LPI - 56 Degrees.
Using 156 mesh for the underbase on dark substrates is an excellent choice for the owners of 6 color machines where printing a highlight white could prove impossible.
We recommend QuikSeps for the generation of Simulated Process Color Separations. Con-
tact High Res Solutions for further information.
Recommended Line Screens and Angles CMYK True Process Color:
White Underbase * 50 LPI - 56 Degrees
Highlight White 50 LPI - 56 Degrees
All Top Colors Cyan / 55 - 60 LPI / 56 Degrees Magenta / 55-60 LPI / 71 Degrees Yellow / 55 - 60 LPI / 86 Degrees Black / 55-60 LPI / 26 Degrees Spot Printers / 55-60 LPI / 26 Degrees
* If you decide to use mesh below 180 for the White Underbase such as 156, output this film at 45 LPI - 56 Degrees.
We do not recommend CMYK on dark substrates.
Great Process Color can be difficult to achieve so we recommend using Version 2.0 or higher of QuikSeps which includes QuikPro-AccuColor to generate easy to print CMYK True Process Color Separations. Contact High Res Solutions for further information.
33
Page 34
Recommended Line Screens and Angles Basic Art - Low Mesh Counts:
The following are recommended for imaging basic art that contains tints to lower mesh counts.
Lower LPI may be used. In fact, certain art may benefit from using a lower LPI.
Below are the highest LPI recommended settings.
125 Mesh / 35 LPI / 26 Degrees
156 Mesh / 45 LPI / 26 Degrees
200 Mesh / 50 LPI / 26 Degrees
Outputting The Films
Directly From Adobe Photoshop
Including Exporting As DCS 2.0 Files
Once the color separations or basic art has been completed and youve decided on which channels are to be imaged as film positives, its time to make a choice on the method used to output the films.
Basically there are two methods. The easiest is to simply output the films from within Photoshop. The slightly more involved technique is to export the file in DCS 2.0 Format and import this file into a page layout or illus­tration program such as PageMaker, Quark, Illustrator, etc. The page lay­out programs are the best choice for the output of DCS files.
Both work well and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Rest assured that whichever method you decide upon, the end result will be identical. There is no performance enhancement to be gained by using one instead of the other. Its simply a matter of personal preference.
Printing directly from Photoshop in addition to exporting and printing DCS files to other applications work in a similar fashion on either Mac or Win­dows machines.
The primary difference on the Mac is the selection of the Hy-Rez QuikRIP Print Mode from within the application itself as compared to pre-load­ing the Print Mode within PhotoScript itself using Windows.
The following pages outline Photoshop printing and the export of DCS 2.0 files.
34
Page 35
Output Directly From Photoshop
To print the individual color channels from within Photoshop, first select each spot channel required for output within the channels palette by turning on the eye next to the channel name.
Next choose Page Setup from the File Menu and select the printer to be used with the RIP. Click the Screens Button and uncheck the Use Printers Default Screens box to allow the entry of new screen frequencies, angles and dot shape for each spot channel to be printed. Also make sure to verify the Page Size and check Registration Marks if needed.
Select each color channel within the Ink Scroll Box and enter a Frequency and Angle for Each channel to be imaged to film.
Make sure to select a dot shape either round or ellipse. Much has been written about the miracle powers of using an elliptical dot. Much of what is written is slightly exaggerated. It can help, and should be experimented with but with everyday style graphics where youre not attempting to accurately reproduce a fine work of art, you wont see much improvement.
35
Page 36
Photoshop has now been configured to output the file.
Select Print from the File Menu.
On the bottom of the print dialog box, make certain the Print Space Profile is set to Separations. If this step is omitted, the halftones may not image correctly.
36
Page 37
Export And Output As DCS File
To output the films from an external source such as an Illustration or Page Layout program, your file must be exported from Photoshop as a DCS 2.0 File.
In order to do this, its advisable to work on a duplicate file. When working on the duplicate delete any of the RGB channels by selecting and dragging to the trash. Once any of the RGB channels are deleted, this switches the mode of your file to Multichannel and will convert the remaining 2 RGB channels to process colors. Delete these 2 unneeded channels.
Under the File Menu select Save A Copy. Within this dialog box scroll to select Photoshop DCS 2.0. Name this file something unique (other than your original) and click Save.
When the DCS
2.0 Window pops up, accept the default settings with all other options and click Save.
This file is now ready to be im­ported / placed into an external application for output.
37
Page 38
Printing a DCS 2.0 file from a Page Layout or Illustration program is exactly the same as printing any multi-color document.
Once imported or placed into the external program, just select each channel for output and apply a screen frequency and angle to each along with the other usual settings such as page size, orientation, printer selection, etc.
Using A Macintosh To Output From Photoshop
The subtle differences of the Mac platform.
From the File Menu choose Print Options. Now check the Show More Op­tions box to expand the screen allowing a larger selection criteria.
38
Page 39
Selecting the Screen Button brings up the Halftone Screens Box. Choose each color and apply a halftone Frequency, Angle and shape.
Select the Page Setup Button and choose page size and orienta­tion.
39
Page 40
Select the Print Button from within Print Options and choose the current application, in this case Adobe Photoshop 6.0.1. Make certain the Print Space Profile box is set to Separations. The halftones may not image correctly if this step is omitted.
Drop down the Printer Extensions 1 Menu and select the desired Hy-Rez QuikRIP Print Mode.
Your file is now ready to be printed.
40
Loading...