FAQ & Terminology

Short term for the four-color printmaking process using cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black colors. Additive colors have been added to certain printers to broaden the color gamut of the CMYK Process.

CMYK is a color model used in printing that stands for Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K). It is a subtractive color model, meaning it subtracts specific amounts of color from a white background to create the desired final color. The CMYK model produces a wide range of colors by printing dots of the four ink colors in various sizes and combinations. This is the most common color model in offset printing and is also used in some digital printing applications. The CMYK color model is often used as a standard for color reproduction in printing, as it allows for the accurate representation of a wide range of colors, including process color images and photos.

An ICC (International Color Consortium) profile is a set of data that defines the color characteristics of a particular device or color space. ICC profiles are used to ensure that the colors in a digital image are accurately represented and consistent across different devices, such as monitors, printers, and digital cameras.

An ICC profile describes how a specific device or color space represents colors, including the range of colors it can produce and how it maps those colors to the standard color space defined by the ICC. When an ICC profile is used, it helps to ensure that the colors in a digital image are accurately displayed or printed on the target device.

ICC profiles are widely used in the printing industry to standardize and ensure consistent color reproduction, and are often provided by manufacturers for their devices. They can also be created for custom color spaces, such as for a specific printing press or lighting environment, using specialized color calibration tools. The use of ICC profiles is essential for color-critical work, such as in professional photography, graphic design, and fine art printing.

D-max is a term used in the printing industry to describe the maximum density or blackness that can be achieved in a print. It is the highest point on a scale used to measure the density of an image and represents the amount of ink or toner deposited on the paper or other print medium.

A high D-max value indicates that the print has a high level of contrast and depth, and produces rich, deep blacks. In general, the higher the D-max value, the better the print quality and color reproduction. For example, a high D-max value in photography is important for creating images with a high level of detail and contrast, especially in the shadows and darker areas of the image.

The D-max value is influenced by several factors, including the type of ink or toner used, the printing process, and the quality of the paper or other print medium. The D-max value can be measured using specialized equipment, such as a spectrophotometer, and is an important factor in determining the overall print quality of a specific device or printing process.

In chemistry, sublimation refers to the transition of a substance from the solid state directly to the gaseous state, bypassing the intermediate liquid state. This process occurs when a solid is heated to its boiling point, and the particles gain enough energy to escape the surface and enter the atmosphere as a gas.

GSM stands for "Grams per Square Meter", and is a measure of the weight or thickness of fine art paper. It is commonly used in the printing industry to describe the weight and quality of fine art papers and other printing substrates.

A higher GSM value generally indicates a heavier and thicker paper, while a lower GSM value indicates a lighter and thinner paper. The choice of GSM will affect the feel, texture, and durability of the print, and will also impact the way that ink is absorbed and the final color reproduction of the print.

Fine art paper typically ranges in weight from 140 GSM to 400 GSM, with heavier papers more suited to fine art prints, giclée prints, and other high-end applications. On the other hand, lighter papers are often used for proofing or mock-up purposes, as they are less expensive and less durable than heavier papers.

When selecting fine art paper, it is important to consider the print's intended use, the printing process, and the equipment being used. The GSM value, along with other factors such as the type of ink and printer being used, will influence the final quality and appearance of the print.

Deckling is a decorative paper-making technique in which the edges of the paper are intentionally torn or cut to create a ragged or feathery appearance. This technique is commonly used in the production of fine art prints, watercolor paintings, and calligraphy. The deckled edges can add an organic, handmade quality to the finished product and can also serve as a decorative border or frame for the image.

Proofing in fine art printing refers to creating a test print or prototype of an artwork before the final printing run. Proofing allows the artist or printer to evaluate the color accuracy, tonal range, and overall quality of the print before committing to a larger run. This process enables the artist or printer to make any necessary adjustments to the printing process, such as color correction, resolution, or ink density, to ensure that the final print matches the artist's intended vision. Proofing is an important step in the fine art printing as it ensures that the final prints are of the highest quality and that the artist's creative intent is accurately represented. There are various proofing methods, including digital proofing, press proofing, and contract proofing. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of proofing method will depend on the intended use of the print and the available resources.

A printer's proof (PP) is a test print produced by a printer to check the final output quality of an art print before producing a larger run. It helps to ensure that the colors, registration, and overall look of the print match the artist's original vision and specifications. Printer's proofs are typically small, limited edition prints that are approved by the artist and considered to be the final version before mass printing. They may be signed and numbered by the artist, making them collectible.

An artist proof (AP) is a print of an original artwork that is reserved for the artist's personal use or for sale. Typically, a limited number of artist proofs are produced in addition to the regular edition of prints. They are considered to be a part of the limited edition and are usually signed and numbered by the artist. Artist proofs are considered to be collectible, as they often have a smaller print run and provide a glimpse into the creative process of the artist. Artist proofs may differ slightly from the regular edition prints and are sometimes considered to have a higher value.

A profile for a fine art printer is a set of data that describes the characteristics and color reproduction capabilities of a particular printer and the media it uses. It helps to ensure consistent and accurate color reproduction when printing fine art images. The profile is created using a color management system, which involves measuring the output of the printer using a color spectrophotometer and creating a mathematical representation of the printer's color gamut. The profile is then used in image editing software to correctly map the colors in a digital image to the colors that the printer is capable of producing.

Artwork should be stored in a cool, dry place with stable temperature and humidity levels. Exposure to direct sunlight, heat, moisture, and extreme changes in temperature can cause artwork to fade or become damaged over time.

Here are some specific steps to store artwork:

Proper packaging: Use acid-free, archival-quality materials for storing artwork, such as sleeves, folders, or boxes. This will help to protect the artwork from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.

Avoid direct sunlight: Store artwork away from direct sunlight and other sources of intense light, as exposure to light can cause colors to fade over time.

Climate control: Maintain stable temperature and humidity levels in the storage area to prevent damage to the artwork. A temperature range of 60-70°F and a relative humidity of 45-55% is ideal.

Support: Store artwork in a flat position, and avoid stacking multiple pieces of artwork on top of each other. If storing rolled artwork, use archival-quality tubes to support the edges and prevent damage.

Pest control: Regularly inspect the storage area for pests such as insects, rodents, and mold. Use pest control methods, such as cedar blocks or mothballs, to prevent damage to the artwork.

By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your artwork is stored in a manner that protects it from damage and preserves it for the future.

Fine art inkjet printers use tiny nozzles to spray droplets of ink onto a substrate to create an image. The ink droplets are precisely placed on the substrate according to digital instructions to form the desired image. The process starts with a digital image file sent to the printer through a computer or other device. The printer's software then processes the image data and converts it into instructions for the print head, which is responsible for depositing the ink onto the substrate. The print head moves back and forth across the substrate, depositing the ink in a controlled manner to form the image. High-quality fine art inkjet printers use pigment-based inks, known for their longevity and ability to produce sharp, accurate colors that can last for decades.

A spectrophotometer is an instrument that measures the amount of light absorbed, transmitted, or reflected by a sample. It works by shining light on the sample and measuring the intensity of light that passes through or is reflected by the sample at different wavelengths. This information can then be used to determine the composition and properties of the sample.

In color management, spectrophotometers are used to calibrate and profile imaging devices such as cameras, monitors, and printers, to ensure accurate and consistent color reproduction. By measuring the spectral response of these devices, a spectrophotometer can provide information about the color gamut, color accuracy, and tonal response of the device, which can then be used to create ICC profiles for more accurate color management.

Spectrophotometers can also be used in various other applications, such as in materials science, biochemistry, and environmental analysis. They are a crucial tool in many scientific and industrial fields for their ability to accurately and precisely measure the spectral properties of materials.

Linearizing when profiling a fine art printer refers to calibrating the printer's color output to ensure that it produces accurate and consistent colors throughout the entire tonal range. This is achieved by measuring and adjusting the printer's color output at different levels of tonality, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights.

Linearizing aims to create a color profile that maps the printer's color output to the desired color space, such as sRGB or Adobe RGB, linearly and predictably. This allows for accurate color reproduction when printing images that are intended to match the colors seen on a calibrated monitor.

The linearization process typically involves printing a series of color patches with different tonal values and measuring the color output using a spectrophotometer. The measurements are then used to create a custom color profile for the printer that compensates for any color inaccuracies or nonlinearities in its output.

Once the printer has been linearized and profiled, it is ready to produce prints that accurately reproduce the colors and tones of the original image.

DPI stands for dots per inch, a measure of the resolution of an image or a printed output. DPI refers to the number of dots that can be placed within an inch of a printed or digital image, and it is a crucial factor that affects image quality and sharpness.

In digital imaging, DPI is often used interchangeably with PPI (pixels per inch), but they are slightly different concepts. PPI refers to the number of pixels in an image, while DPI refers to the number of dots a printer can produce in an inch of printed output. However, for most practical purposes, these terms can be used interchangeably.

The DPI of an image or a printed output determines the level of detail and sharpness of the image. A higher DPI means more dots or pixels per inch, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image. However, a higher DPI also means a larger file size, as more dots or pixels represent the image.

When preparing an image for printing, the DPI is an important factor. The ideal DPI depends on the printing method and the desired print size. For example, a DPI of 300 or higher is recommended for high-quality offset printing, while for large-format printing, a DPI of 150 to 200 may be sufficient.

It is important to note that simply increasing the DPI of an image does not necessarily improve its quality. If the original image has a low resolution or poor quality, increasing the DPI will only result in a larger file size without improving the overall image quality.

DPI (dots per inch) and PPI (pixels per inch) are both measurements of image resolution, but they refer to different things.

DPI refers to the number of dots a printer can produce in a printed output within one inch of space. This measurement is used in printing to determine the sharpness and clarity of a printed image. The higher the DPI, the more dots can be printed per inch, resulting in a higher-quality print.

Conversely, PPI refers to the number of pixels present per inch in a digital image. This measurement is used in digital imaging to determine the resolution of an image, which is the amount of detail and clarity present in the image. The higher the PPI, the more pixels per inch, resulting in a higher-quality image.

In general, DPI is used for printed output, while PPI is used for digital images. When printing a digital image, the image's PPI is often used to determine the appropriate DPI for printing. For example, an image with a PPI of 300 would typically require a printer with a DPI of 300 or higher to produce a high-quality print.

It is important to note that DPI and PPI are often used interchangeably but are technically different concepts. DPI is a measure of printer output resolution, while PPI is a measure of digital image resolution.

Up-sampling an image refers to increasing its size by adding pixels, either by duplicating existing ones or by estimating new ones based on the existing data. While up-sampling can sometimes be useful in certain situations, such as enlarging an image for printing, it can also lead to quality issues and artifacts in the final output. Here are some reasons why up-sampling an image can be bad:

Loss of Detail: When an image is up-sampled, the software has to create new pixels based on the existing ones, which can lead to a loss of detail and sharpness in the final output. The new pixels might not accurately represent the original image, leading to a blurred or pixelated appearance.

Noise and Artifacts: Up-sampling an image can also introduce new noise and artifacts, especially if the original image was of low quality. This can result in jagged edges, halos, and other visual distortions that reduce the overall quality of the image.

Increased File Size: Up-sampling an image can also significantly increase file size, especially if the original image is small and needs to be enlarged significantly. This can be problematic if you are working with limited storage space or need to upload the image to the web or share it with others.

AI enhancement refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to improve the quality of digital images. This technique is commonly used in printmaking to enhance images before they are printed.

There are various ways in which AI enhancement can be applied to digital images for printmaking, including:

Noise Reduction: AI algorithms can reduce noise in digital images, which can result in a cleaner and sharper final print. This is particularly useful when working with low-quality or high-ISO images.

Sharpening: AI algorithms can selectively sharpen certain parts of an image, such as the edges or details, without affecting the overall quality of the image.

Color Correction: AI algorithms can correct color imbalances in digital images, resulting in more accurate and vibrant colors in the final print.

Upscaling: AI algorithms can also be used to upscale digital images, increasing their size while preserving the details and sharpness of the image.

Restoration: AI algorithms can restore old or damaged images by removing scratches, stains, and other defects.

Rasterizing a file refers to converting vector graphics or text into a raster or bitmap image. Vector graphics are based on mathematical equations, specifying paths, points, and shapes, which can be scaled infinitely without losing quality. On the other hand, raster images are composed of pixels and have a fixed resolution. Rasterizing is often done to prepare files with pixel-based images for output on devices like printers or screens.

When you rasterize a file:

Vector to Bitmap Conversion: If the original file is in a vector format (e.g., SVG, EPS), it is converted into a bitmap format (e.g., JPEG, PNG, TIFF). This process fixes the image resolution and defines the pixel dimensions.

Text & Effects: Any text or effects that were represented as vectors are converted into pixels. This is common when preparing files for printing or display, where vector-based text may not render correctly or at the intended size.

Loss of Editability: Once rasterized, the file loses the ability to be edited as vectors. This means you cannot easily scale or modify individual elements without compromising image quality.

Rasterization is often necessary for certain output processes, like printing, where the printer interprets the image in terms of dots per inch (DPI) or for displaying images on screens with pixel-based resolutions. However, it's important to note that once a file is rasterized, you lose the scalability and flexibility of vector graphics.

Flattening an image refers to merging all visible layers in a digital image into a single background layer. This is commonly done in graphic design and photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop. When you flatten an image, it simplifies the file structure by reducing it to a single layer, which can be useful for certain purposes, but it also has some implications:

Reduced File Size: Flattening can reduce the file size of an image because it removes the data associated with individual layers.

Compatibility: Some file formats or platforms may not support layered images so that flattening may be necessary for compatibility.

Printing: When preparing an image for printing, especially in certain formats like JPEG, the flattening may be necessary to create a single, printable layer.

Editing Limitations: Once an image is flattened, you lose the ability to edit individual elements on separate layers. This can be a disadvantage if you need to make changes later.