>> I have to scan a pic from a printed page. Have tried both the descreen option in the scanning software, and blur then sharpen in PS. Both achieve similar results.
Is there a better way to remove / minimize the printed screen when the image is going to be reproduced by offset printing (nothing to do with me) again? << Tim, my method goes something like this...(sometimes I may skip/alter some steps depending on time/budget/original etc): * Scan at the highest optical resolution possible with no sharpening (no need for high bit scans as things are slow enough). The final scan will only be useful for approx. same size or smaller repro, we do not wish to enlarge the halftone dots (the high resolution gives us some leeway here). * As noted earlier, if on a flatbed the angle of the original vs. the CCD array can play a big part. * Test scan some quick smaller average sections at different descreen amounts to see if one is optimal. * Use the crop tool to rotate the angle scan back to true in Photoshop. This is a resampling step which is one of many to come. If using CS then I would use bicubic softer in prefs for this descreen task then reset it back when done. * Drop resolution (single or multiple steps with bicubic softer or perhaps with some minor 0.2 gaussblur between steps if using bicubic etc), depending on the image and other factors I try to keep as many pixels as possible for as long as possible, but reducing the pixels to the optimal target can make the work quicker and the result due to averaging down is often better (sometimes moire patterns can form though). I like to save this to one of the last steps if possible, but reducing pixels earlier in the workflow can speed things up. It's a tough call. * Dupe the flat image and perform colour blend blurs/fades or AB LAB blurs etc to help remove colour moire. Flatten. * Dupe the flat image and blend from 20-50% in darken mode and perform slight blurs to help fill in some paper white between the dots. Flatten down. * Dupe the image and apply grain removal methods such as dedicated software or actions: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~binaryfx/PSTV_links.html#G Then mask these corrections into the areas that really need it or at lower opacities into other areas etc. Flatten down. * Try dust/scratches, median, small gblurs or smart blur filters etc. * Try the crystallize filter at the minimum size and fade/blend at reduced opacities or mask etc. * Add some random subtle noise, but not in the highlights/shadows (blend if sliders or masks can be used for this 'smart noise'): http://members.ozemail.com.au/~binaryfx/ST_utilitymasks.html (Endpoint Masking - Solarizing the Luminance Mask) With luck you will not have a visible luminance halftone pattern when viewing the composite image and when you view the separate channels, particularly the blue - that you will not have moire. * Finally double check the size/resolution and sharpen/convert or convert/sharpen etc. Colour images often result in much better images than monotone. Regards, Stephen Marsh. =============================================================== GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
