Hi Chris, >> Are there any rules of thumb for the percentage of USM (Photoshop CS) to apply to digital images <<
No, this is very much dependent on image content, output method, reproduction size, original size in pixels etc. >> and is it best to add this after or prior to CMYK conversion? << It all depends. Sometimes in RGB with a fade or blend to luminance mode. Sometimes the L of LAB mode produces better visual results for some images, despite the arguments against using it. Often sharpening the K channel once in CMYK, even if previous USM was applied. Sometimes no RGB sharpen, then CMYK - perhaps only with the CK sharpened for a portrait where skintone artifacts were an issue in the MY plates. And with many other methods and variations: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~binaryfx/ST_USM1.html http://members.ozemail.com.au/~binaryfx/PSTV_links.html#S (sharpening and USM links) http://members.ozemail.com.au/~binaryfx/PSTV_photocontrol.html (PC only) http://members.ozemail.com.au/~binaryfx/PSTV_sharpcontrol.html (PC only) Regards, Stephen Marsh. =============================================================== GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
