Simon Buckley writes: >> "I'm trying to use some graphics as part of an image but when I print the graphics,sent to me by a designer, they are pixelated and not 'coherent'. The designer says I may need a RIP. I presume its not to do with death so what is it and how do I get one/it/thing..?" <<
Hi Simon, sorry for the late response. Sounds like you are attempting to print PostScript data to a non PostScript device. This is not a good thing if you are attempting to get a true look at the files contents. <g> There are many solutions to your problem, although it would be helpful to fully understand what file formats are included in your source document/s, what type of printer and printer driver etc. Can you expand in greater detail on the specific issues at hand? I would hate for you to purchase a RIP when you may have the ability to overcome the issue with your current set-up or with freely available software, if PostScript is not a common or critical thing for you to deal with. Now for some quick points on PostScript and RIPs (rated in no order of preference or suitability/quality - just tossing out some points to consider): * Photoshop has a built-in EPS and PDF RIP, as do some other image processors. Having the ability to rasterize PS/EPS or PDF data can be an important thing for both creative and production users. This type of workflow is not for flexible or high volume output - but for limited workflows it can work very well (not all things RIP the same in Photoshop as a 'proper' RIP, often font related issues). Some illustration software can also open .PS data as well as .EPS or PDF. * If taking a EPS or PDF to Photoshop with fonts, it can be a good thing to outline the fonts to paths first in a vector illustration application and resave as EPS or PDF or whatever (if you have font issues). * Having a PostScript printer driver installed allows you to print from your source application to a PS file or EPS file. This PS/EPS file can then be RIPed by Acrobat Distiller to produce a PDF file from the PS/EPS data, which can be output to any PS or non PS output device (PDF levels all). * There is a free PS RIP called GhostScript - http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~ghost/ which can have limited uses for some (The above methods would probably be better). This can RIP to raster or PDF formats, although vectors/fonts are rasterized in PDF (unlike Distiller). * Then there are the hardware and software RIP options that are available for driving inkjet or laser printers. Some lasers have a built in RIP, other printers may have a dedicated computer running a software RIP or the software RIP could be on the workstation itself (probably not a good thing on classic Mac OS <g>). * Any application that can print to a .PS or .EPS or .PDF file can have it's data shared among other hi end graphics applications (to some extent). PS, EPS and PDF are great as transfer formats for dissimilar applications. * Even with a 'proper' RIP there can be different results between a laser and film/plate if RIPed on different devices. Acrobat Distiller is a good indication for a problem file, if Distiller chokes and errors out, then a film or plate RIP would probably have problems. * Avoid PostScript emulation - go for true licensed PS from Adobe. * PostScript level 3 is the current specification but many get by with level 2, depending on their needs. * Although some vector apps are known as PostScript apps - it does not mean that you have to have a RIP to print vector data (not all vector data is PostScript vector). If all you do is output files direct from Photoshop, then I would not presume that a PostScript RIP would be a high priority in most cases. If you do print from layout or illustration software and use EPS files or EPS DCS 2 formats - then one of the above methods would be required to access the high resolution PostScript data and not the low resolution previews etc. The needs of a photographer/designer RIPing one PS file to a desktop Epson once in a blue moon are very different to a prepress user or quick print shop. A link to further links on PostScript can be found here (scroll down a bit): http://members.ozemail.com.au/~binaryfx/PSTV_links.html#P The MacInTouch reader reports archive is _highly_ recommended reading, although it may be a bit dated now the basic issues have not changed. Sincerely, Stephen Marsh. =============================================================== GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
