Printer Linearization

[MikeHarrold]

Greetings All;

Can anyone explain what "printer linearization" is and how you do it before profiling the printer?

Thanks, Mike

[AndrewRodney]

-->Can anyone explain what "printer linearization" is and how you do it before profiling the printer?

Linearization (sometimes called "calibration") is a process where you get what you ask for out of your printer <g>. The best example is where you send data that is supposed to place a 50% dot and the output device does indeed produce a 50% dot. Many output devices are not real linear and pile too much ink or toner (or whatever) onto the paper. When you linearize the printer, you insure correct density.

Some profile packages have an optional linearization process. You send out a smaller subset of patches and measure. The next set of patches (for building the profile) are based on the behavior of the first set. Do you need to linearize? Depends on the profile package and the printer. For example, the GretagMacbeth line does no pre-linearization and I've yet to find this to be a problem at all. Monaco and other products have optional linearization but with some output devices (notable my Fuji PG3000), doing a linearization actually produces a much inferior profile.

For devices like ink jet printers, where you have the option to linearize, you should probably try that.

[CoryShubert]

Here is how I understand it (others may do a better job, but I will throw in my Common Man approach...)

In the ICC Color profile workflow, your first must linearize the printer before the application spits out the target files needed to create the printer/paper profile. It is sort of like WB the printer. (Oh I am sure to get hammered on that one...)

Think of it as first you must get the printers output in a neutral state, then the software you are using, ICCPrint here for me, spits out the 5 RGB targets that you print and then create the profile from by reading all the patches.

I am talking the RGB model here and not the CMYK, but they are both basically the same.

It has been said that the linerization process is only applicable if you control the printer, i.e. your own. If you are profiling an offsite printer at say your favorite lab, then you can skip the linerization process and just send them the generic target files that came with your software application since you are relying on them to keep their printers in a linerized state.

Anyone else with a better explanation?

Cory Shubert Photography

[CoryShubert]

Hey Andrew, when do you find time to test out new products and conduct seminars when you are always on here? <g>

Cory Shubert Photography

[AndrewRodney]

-->Hey Andrew, when do you find time to test out new products and conduct seminars when you are always on here? <g>

Multi-tasking. I have 2-3 machines running at the same time. Friday I'm off to PMA for almost a week. You'll get a break from all those posts.

If all goes well, there will be a new site up soon where myself and a few other of the pixel mafia will hang and we'll all be spending time over on those forums. But I've probably broken my NDA just saying that <g>

[AndrewRodney]

-->In the ICC Color profile workflow, your first must linearize the printer before the application spits out the target files needed to create the printer/paper profile.

You don't have to. Personally, IF a product (like ProfileMaker Pro) can make a great profile without, that's fine with me. Like ACR <g> the less work I have to do, the better.

[AlanRew]

[ QUOTE ]
If all goes well, there will be a new site up soon where myself and a few other of the pixel mafia will hang and we'll all be spending time over on those forums. But I've probably broken my NDA just saying that

[/ QUOTE ]

Andrew,

Please post the URL for this forum when you can.

Regards

Alan