RIP Fundamentals

Software RIPs are specialized printer drivers that replace the driver that comes with your printer. They take input from applications and convert, or rasterize, the information into data that the printer understands so that it can put dots on a page. Software RIPs typically offer features not found in standard printer drivers. For example, they often offer advanced queue management, network printing, tone and gradation control, selective color adjustment, PostScript or PDF support, and the ability to create hot folders for automated processing.

ColorByte Software's ImagePrint is an example of a software RIP. In addition to offering the features already mentioned, it supports the use of ICC color profiles for screen-to-print and print-to-print matching. Multiple images can be placed on a page and color managed individually.

ImagePrint 6.0 supports a variety of color printers, including the Epson Stylus Photo series, Roland, Fuji Pictrography, and certain HP printers, and it includes profiles for various combinations of paper, ink, and viewing conditions. It also supports custom profiles. The exercises in this chapter demonstrate how to apply color management in a software RIP using ImagePrint. A trial version of ImagePrint is available at ColorByte's Web site at www.colorbytesoftware.com. If you are using different RIP software, look for comparable commands and functions in that application.

Note

If you haven't installed the trial version of ImagePrint, do so now before continuing. When you print a document, the word demo appears on the page, but other than that, the program and the page are fully functional.