Reply To: InDesign/Prepress Myths

David, see https://bit.ly/fM62bR

This additional page looks at type composed in PhotoShop at 300, 600, and 900ppi, saved as pixel based 8-bit TIFFs, then printed using 100 & 200lpi screens.

The purpose is to further address the Myth of no-more-than-300dpi (or something x LPI) for any printed 8-bit TIFF-including-those-with-type. The subject is relevant to anyone creating hard edged work in a pixel based environment — for whatever reason. Yes, there are better formats — application, knowledge, and workflow permitting.

According to the images I see, if type or fine line work is an element (Combination Tone) 8-bit TIFF, a 600-900ppi image resolution will alleviate some of the inherent limitations of the pixel based format, regardless of line screen.

Yes, this assumes you will not purposefully downsample for another format, or when sending to print!

What is the Source that suggests 8-bit TIFFS are downsampling to 2x lpi? Both PhotoShop composed, as well as images Rasterized from PDFs, illustrate this is not the case. (The rasterized PDF scenario may not be as rare as we would like to think. Until recently Lightning Source International did this with All non-compliant PDF book covers — and Only *Distilled* PDFs were compliant!)

I may at sometime add plain paper output from various devices, PDLs, print drivers.

Please investigate and consider endorsing the term “Combination Tone 8-bit TIFF” and the implied desire for increased image resolution (compared to most Photographs as tiffs) when preparing for print.

Thanks,
Mark Godfrey
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