Optimizing Files For Processing And Printing; Resolution Of Raster Images - Xerox Fiery color server User Manual

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A-16 Desktop Color Primer
Optimizing files for processing and printing
The following sections provide tips on how to create image files that produce the
highest possible print quality while minimizing the processing time and disk space they
require.

Resolution of raster images

While a 72-ppi raster image appears sharp on a monitor, the same image would likely
appear pixelated when printed to the Color Server. Color printers are capable of much
greater detail than computer monitors, and require correspondingly higher resolution
image files. However, high-resolution files can be large and, therefore, cumbersome to
transmit over a network, process for printing, store on disk, and edit.
Beyond a certain threshold, a higher image resolution greatly increases file size while
having a minimal effect on output quality. The optimal image resolution depends on
the resolution of the final print device. Aim for the resolution that optimizes both file
size and output quality.
The resolution of a raster image, along with its bit depth and physical dimensions,
determine its file size. The following table shows the file sizes of color raster images at
different dimensions and resolutions.
Image size 100 ppi
RGB/CMYK
x 0.4/0.5 MB
3" 4"
x
5" 7" 1.0/1.3 MB
8.5" x 11" 2.7/3.6 MB
x 5.4/7.1 MB
11" 17"
File size at
150 ppi 200 ppi
RGB/CMYK RGB/CMYK
0.8/1.0 MB 1.4/1.8 MB
2.3/3.0 MB 4.0/5.3 MB
6.0/8.0 MB 10.7/14.3 MB
12.0/16.1 MB 21.4/28.5 MB
400 ppi 600 ppi
RGB/CMYK RGB/CMYK
5.5/7.3 MB 12.4/16.5 MB
16.0/21.4 MB 36.1/48.1 MB
42.8/57.1 MB 96.4/128.5 MB
85.6/114.1 MB 192.7/256.9 MB