Optimizing Files For Processing And Printing; Resolution Of Raster Images - Xerox DocuColor 40 Reference Manual

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1-10 Desktop Color Primer
In vector images, picture elements are defined mathematically as lines or curves
between points—hence the term "vector." Picture elements can have solid, gradient,
or patterned color fills. Vector artwork is created in illustration and drawing
applications such as Illustrator and CorelDRAW. Page layout applications such as
QuarkXPress also allow you to create simple vector artwork with their drawing tools.
PostScript fonts are vector-based as well.
Vector artwork is resolution-independent; it can be scaled to any size without danger of
pixels becoming visible in printed output.
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 DocuColor 40 CP. Color print devices are
capable of much greater detail than 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.