Screen Print & Inkjet Fast T-Jet Blazer Pro, User Manual

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Note : It is important to have a basic knowledge of both
FastARTIST and FastRIP. Although the manuals may seem
very large, don’t be concerned by the size. You do not
need to know everything to get started.
Using Computer Graphics Software
In order to print a good looking image on a shirt, you need a good piece of
artwork. The customer typically has no idea about the type or quality of artwork
needed so you are often stuck with inferior designs. If you don’t have computer
graphics experience, you might print this bad artwork and then blame your Fast
T-Jet Blazer Pro for the poor quality image.
We often hear from first time users that they did not think they would need to
know about graphics software. However, getting a great image on a garment
is not the same as taking your digital camera’s memory card to the drug store
and getting pictures made. Yes, it would seem that simple and it CAN be, but in
the world of T-Shirt printing there are many variables.
Image Types
Vector
Currently there are two types of graphics
programs – Vector and Bitmap. FastARTIST,
CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia
Freehand are called vector programs. Vector
programs create images based on shapes
somewhat like a coloring book. They typically
have hundreds or even thousands of typefaces
and many have extensive “coloring book” type
stock clip art that you can use to create artwork.
Vector programs are generally used for images with a hard edge like race
designs, school mascots, corporate logos, etc.
Pixel Based Bitmap
Programs like FastARTIST and Adobe Photoshop are called pixel, or raster based
programs, and work great for photographic images. Bitmap applications can
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Chapter 5- Software Overview