Page 167 - Graphic Design and Print Production Fundamentals

5.8 Summary

Wayne Collins

This chapter has looked at computer graphic creation through the lens of a manufacturer that must
reproduce the electronic image on a substrate. The image must be processed through a RIP that drives a
laser, or other imaging technology, to transfer pigments to that substrate. There are unique variables that
must be considered in preparing the computer graphic for the reproduction process. We have explored
routines for processing vector data such as fonts through a RIP, spot colour handling, trapping, and
imposition. The next chapter will look at each of the imaging technologies in more depth.

Questions to consider after completing this chapter:

1. Describe six pre-imaging file analysis processes that should be considered when developing a
computer graphic for reproduction manufacture.
2. Describe four major imaging technologies that utilize computer graphics to image on different
substrates.
3. Describe the difference between raster data and vector data when creating a computer graphic
file.
4. Compare the raster resolution of the data for a typical lithographic plate-setter compared to the
resolution of a typical inkjet device.
5. How many addressable values can be recorded in an eight-bit byte of computer data?
6. What does the acronym WYSIWYG stand for?
7. How many kerning pairs are present in a ‘good’ font file?

8. What colour matching library has been developed exclusively for process colour printing inks
(CMYK)?

9. What two printing processes must have trapping applied to computer graphics files before making
printing plates?
10. What can a page layout artist do to a graphics file if the transparent elements on the page are
dropping out or not processing in the RIP?

References

Adobe Systems Incorporated. (1997a). Adobe postscript. Retrieved from https://www.adobe.com/
products/postscript/pdfs/PostScriptRIPBrochure.pdf

Adobe Systems Incorporated. (1997b). Adobe postscript printing primer. Retrieved from
https://www.adobe.com/products/postscript/pdfs/psprintprime.pdf

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