Xante Accel-a-Graphix CT4, User Manual

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_______________________________________ Imaging Basics 7-7
Transfer Curves
Transfer curves calibrate your printer for specific ink and media,
eliminating the differences caused by environmental conditions and
printer age. XANTÉ’s provides a set of transfer curves for all
ENCAD QIS ink and media. You can also use XANTÉ’s Command
Center to create custom transfer curves adjusted to your specific
needs. See “Color Management” in chapter 8 for additional
information about creating and using transfer curves.
Application Variables
Applications vary in the features they provide to reproduce color. For
example, if you use Adobe Illustrator, you have to switch to Adobe
Separator to do color separations. Programs vary according to how
many and which export formats are supported, which CMSs are
supported, how much memory is required, what method is used to
define colors, and which level of PostScript is supported.
PostScript Level 1 provides features such as scaling, rotating, and
filling. PostScript Level 2 refines those features and adds more
options. An important change with Level 2 change is the capability
to work in many device independent color spaces such as CIEXYZ
and CIELAB. Other changes include better memory management,
increased speed, improved color matching, color separations based
on single rather than four files, and CRD capabilities.
Media Variables
Media type plays a big role in output quality. The media’s opacity
(reflective quality) affects the final output brightness while texture
impacts consistent coverage. Absorbency affects dot gain and ink
density.
Plain paper is usually sufficient for in-house reports, memos, and
charts. However, when you require carefully matched colors,
consistent coverage, and sharper contrasts, resin-coated paper with
its smoother surface and controlled absorbency makes a better
choice.