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Q&A: Production Graphics Techniques
Q: How can I insert a screen shot into my Windows-based PageMaker program?
A: you can copy any Windows-based screen to the Clipboard by simply pressing Print Screen. Then, paste the contents of the Clipboard into your graphics or DTP program with Edit>Paste, or press Control-v.
Note that PageMaker has a so-called "magic stretch" command that works better with bitmaps that contain specific resolution information, such as a pre-saved TIFF. If the screenshots you print contain undesirable moire or rosette patterns, this magic stretch is the solution. The PM documentation will provide details.
Briefly, Magic-stretch stretches according to printer resolution (in other words, you must have the correct printer selected for it to work properly): Ctrl+drag to resize.
It forces the bitmap to multiples or subdivisions of its original size that are compatible with the number of dots of your printer or output device.
e.g., a 100 dpi original on a 300 dpi printer would work at 100%, 150%, 50%, etc., but not 101%. Magic Strech "snaps" the image to compatible sizes for optimum printouts of patterns and bitmaps.
(It's also worth mentioning that you are better off to enlarge an image in a separate program such as Photoshop and then import this "interpolated" result into PageMaker. Enlarging it in PageMaker will just make the jaggies twice as large; interpolated enlargements smooth jagged edges.)
Q: What can I use for creating labels and covers for CD/CDR discs?
A: If you do not want to design your own templates in a desktop publishing or graphics program, a number of kits are on the market that provide tool to get you started. The "Neato" CD labeling kit is my favorite, although the label making software it includes (including templates for PC and Mac) tends toward slightly ugly defaults. These can be enhanced, though. It also includes labels and a "neato" label-applying device. It's quite inexpensive, at $79.95 US
You can can buy it online or order by phone or fax. Details at www.neato.com
The Adaptec Easy CD software for PC is the package I have used to design most of my CD packages (it automatically builds track lists with running times and creates both front and back-cover designs), although I have to manually build in bleeds for color covers. Most service bureaus and CD duplicators prefer to receive files in QuarkXpress or PageMaker format, so I convert the Easy CD template files to PostScript, import into Adobe Illustrator, add the "CD Audio," production company logos and copyright graphics and "made in Canada" text, convert to EPS and drop into one of these packages for final production. If the final print production is being done on a Mac, I convert my PC fonts to outlines during the Adobe Illustrator phase to eliminate font sunstitution problems. By using carefully calibrated scanners, monitors and printers, I minimize unexpected colour variances. However, it is always prudent to supply your offset press person with a color proof, to facilitate final colour balancing.
More detail on this process is descibed in a how-to article I have written on our website, detailing (and showing) the process of creating the cover art for Lori Pappajohn's recent CD, "Celtic Harp of Dreams."
It's at http://tcp.ca/1998/9803/9803grap/toolkit/toolkit.html
Q: Is the Mac still dominant in the graphics market?
A: According to TrendWatch, which monitors trends and changes in graphic arts and publishing markets, the Mac still leads in this market, but a growing number of publishers are becoming "bilingual." Macintosh computers are firmly entrenched as the #1 investment by graphic arts companies with 41% indicating intention to purchase in the next 12 months. Alas Mac purists, Windows is also steaming up this market... with 23% planning a Windows 95 purchase in the next 12 months and 16% planning for NT workstation.
| Purchases: | Mac | Win 95 | NT |
| Separators | 63% | 22% | 22% |
| Service Bureaus | 52% | 31% | 28% |
| Commercial Printers | 33% | 21% | 12% |
Underscoring this 'bi-lingual nature', of those who will purchase Macs, 56% plan to buy Windows 95 and 63% plan to buy Windows NT workstation as well. Those selling dual platform support in software, hardware and integration services should be very happy!
Why Should You Care?
Windows NT generally means networking, which means digital workflow and digital peripherals. If this is your game, you can ride the NT horse to the barn.
Excerpted from TrendWatch Printing Survey #7 (Spring 1998). For more about the TrendWatch Reports and definitive graphic arts and publishing market information, see http://www.trend-watch.com.
For Further Reading
- Techniques - a collection of hot graphics tips and cool techniques
- Printers - Ink-jet printers and color lasers.
- Graphics - Reviews of 2D and 3D graphics software packages, scanners, monitors and more.
- Storage - Mass storage solutions for PC and Mac, including CD-R, Zip, optical media, SparQ, LS-120 and much more.
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