Photoshop PPI and Pre-Media Process Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does PPI stand for in the context of Photoshop?

Pixelated Image Resolution

Pixels per Inch (correct)

Pixels per Interactive

Pictures per Inch

Which PPI value is commonly used for print media in Photoshop?

150

300 (correct)

600

What does a higher PPI indicate about an image?

It appears more pixelated

It appears as a continuous tone image (correct)

It has a lower resolution

It is unsuitable for print media

What term is used to describe images that have been divided into small squares?

Bitmapped Images Signup and view all the answers

Which resolution setting can cause visible stair-casing effects?

Low resolution settings Signup and view all the answers

What does changing the pixel grid on your display affect?

Displayed pixel dimensions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes bitmapped images?

Resolution dependent on output capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if an image's resolution does not match the output device's capabilities?

The image quality may degrade Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of Johannes Gutenberg's printing process?

Ink and variable width type casting Signup and view all the answers

Which stage comes directly after the design phase in the Linotype workflow?

Set each line of type Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the considerations in pre-media?

Binding methods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the Digital Press workflow?

Plate-setting Signup and view all the answers

What does 'trapping' refer to in the pre-media workflow?

Adjustments in color to prevent gaps Signup and view all the answers

What is one key difference between bitmapped images and vector graphics?

Bitmapped images are resolution dependent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes occurs before exposing plates in digital workflows?

Proofing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of PDF creation in pre-media?

To ensure consistent output across different platforms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'imposition' in the pre-media process?

Arranging pages for efficient printing Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT typically part of the pre-media output processes?

Color Separations Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of colors that a 24 Bit image can display?

16 million colors Signup and view all the answers

Which file compression method results in a loss of data?

JPEG Signup and view all the answers

What is rasterizing commonly used for?

Converting vector files to bitmapped images Signup and view all the answers

In which application can you rasterize text or images before applying filters?

Photoshop Signup and view all the answers

What is the key benefit of using lossless compression?

No quality loss Signup and view all the answers

Why might you choose to leave a file uncompressed?

File size is not a concern Signup and view all the answers

What does a 32 to 64 Bit image typically contain?

Alpha channels and additional color information Signup and view all the answers

When raster outputting files to printers, what process automatically occurs?

Rasterization at the RIP Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of vector images?

They are resolution independent. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following applications commonly utilize vector images?

Corel and Illustrator Signup and view all the answers

What happens to vector images when rasterized?

They become bitmapped images. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical DPI range for printers?

300 to 1200 Signup and view all the answers

How many colors can an 8-bit image display?

256 colors Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to measure the smallest spot of ink created by printers?

Dot Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical use for vector images?

Photographic images Signup and view all the answers

What maximum color information can a 1-bit image display?

2 colors Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of increasing DPI in printing?

Improves print quality. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding vector images?

Vector images can be enlarged without losing quality. Signup and view all the answers

Which file format is specific to certain brands of cameras?

RAW Camera Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended scanning resolution for bitmapped images?

1200 PPI Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a black and white image format that uses 1 bit depth?

Line Art Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested rule of thumb for saving files when uncertain about format suitability?

Save as TIFF Signup and view all the answers

Which file format is primarily used on Macintosh systems?

PICT Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following file formats is considered a native format proprietary to a specific application?

PSD Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of JPEG image files?

Utilizes lossy compression Signup and view all the answers

Which file format is best known for its ability to create transparent backgrounds?

PNG Signup and view all the answers

What type of file format is most images on the web likely to be?

JPEG Signup and view all the answers

Which file format is described as 'not proprietary to any application' and is used for web graphics?

GIF Signup and view all the answers

Which file format is specifically used for creating separations in color printing?

DCS Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of using PDF file format?

Transportable with higher resolution images Signup and view all the answers

What happens if data is lost after compressing an image file?

The lost data can never be retrieved Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pre-Media Workflow Overview

Johannes Gutenberg (circa 1448) workflow involved design, character setting, proofing, and printing/binding.
Linotype (1886) workflow involved design, line output, line setting, proofing, and printing/binding.
Negative processes: design, typesetting, mechanical paste-ups, panchromatic/orthochromatic film, stripping, proofing, plate exposure, and printing/binding.
Film-setting: design, computer input, film-setting, proofing, plate exposure, and printing/binding.
Plate-setting: design, computer, plotter, plate-setting, and printing/binding.
Digital press: design, computer, and printing/binding.

Pre-Media Overview

Printing methods (e.g., offset press).
Color profiles (spot, foil).
Bleed.
Paper stocks and finishes (e.g., gloss).
Binding methods (die-cutting, finishing).
Machinable mail.

Pre-Media Workflow Output Processes

PDF creation.
Preflight.
Imposition.
Trapping.
Rasterization.
Proofing output.
Plate or digital output.
JDF workflows.

Pre-Media Display Resolution

Pixels are the smallest display units for file information.
Resolution is measured in PPI (Pixels Per Inch).
Higher PPI values create smoother graphic representations.
Default PPI values: 72 for web graphics, 300 for print media.
Monitor resolution adjustments do not affect file resolution.

Pre-Media Bitmapped Images

Bitmapped images, also known as raster images, are pixelated.
Resolution is dependent on the output device's capabilities.
Lower resolutions result in visible stair-casing (artifacts).
Higher resolution files can decrease observable stair-casing.

Pre-Media Vector Images

Vector images are created using mathematical formulas (curves or paths).
Resolution independent, resulting in smaller file sizes.
Common in design software like Corel and Illustrator.
Lines and shapes retain smoothness during resizing.
Conversion to bitmap images (rasterization) may be necessary for certain filters in some applications.
Vector images are ideal for applications like car decals, signs, stencils, and logos.

Pre-Media Rasterizing

Converting vector files to bitmaps.
Necessary for printer, plotter, and platesetter output.
Image manipulation applications (like Photoshop) support transitions between vector/bitmap images.
Rasterization may be necessary in some situations for effects and filters in image editing software.

Pre-Media Compression

Reduces file sizes, crucial for transfer.
Methodologies can be application-specific or use third-party software.
Lossless (e.g., LZW, TIFF) versus lossy (e.g., JPEG, GIF) compression techniques.
Lossy compression results in data loss (not retrievable).
Most webpage images are compressed.

Pre-Media Printer Resolution

Dots are the smallest units printed by devices (printers, plotters, platesetters).
Measurement unit is DPI (dots per inch).
Higher DPI values mean better quality prints.
Typical DPI settings vary, with printer settings generally between 300 and 1200 DPI and image/plate setters ranging from 2400 to 6400 DPI.

Pre-Media File Formats (Print)

Non-native formats (generic, neutral): TIFF, EPS, PDF.
Native format (application specific): PSD, AI, INDD, CDR, PM, QXD.
DCS (Desktop Colour Separation) is used for color separations (Spot colors, Pantone colors).
Rule of thumb: When uncertain, save as TIFF.

Pre-Media File Formats (Screen/Web)

Non-native (generic, neutral): JPEG, GIF, PDF, PNG.
Web-ready formats often are not print-ready (RGB color space versus other color spaces).

Pre-Media Other File Formats

PICT (older Macintosh format)
BMP (Windows format)
WMF (Windows format)
RAW camera files specific to specific camera brands.

Pre-Media Bitmapped Images | Line Art

Line art uses on/off pixels (1-bit depth).
Primarily black and white, with scan resolutions up to 1200 PPI.
Changes to the threshold (black/white) affect details.
File sizes are generally small.
Suitable for applications with less detail.

Pre-Media Grayscale Images

Grayscale images use various shades of gray (8- or 16-bit).
Screens typically range from 3-5% highlighting to 95% shadowing.
Used in single-color jobs.

Pre-Media Duotones/Tritones

Process of reducing colors to 2 or 3 spot colors, replacing 4-color process.
Duotones/tritones are used to create color overlays for grayscale images, reduce costs.

Pre-Media RGB Colors

RGB is Red, Green, Blue for color combinations in display/web.
Utilizes 8-64bit depths and various color combinations generating millions of colors.
Resolution-dependent.

Pre-Media CMYK Colors

CMYK combines Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black inks subtractively for color.
Used to simulate printed ink behavior on various mediums.
Often used for printing processes requiring color accuracy.
24/64-bit depths apply.

Pre-Media LAB Colors

LAB is an intermediary color model between different devices.
Using Luminance(L) and two color channels (a, b) to create colors.
Primarily used as an intermediate space for transferring between devices.
Can be problematic in some software like Photoshop with specific filters.

Pre-Media HSB Colors

Hue, Saturation, Brightness represent the color model's components.
Used for color correction in Photoshop, through adjustment layers or other features.

Pre-Media Index Color

8-24-bit index color using specific color tables for screens & web.
Primarily used for GIF and other graphic formats in Web browsers.

Pre-Media Color Gamut

Displays available color range from different color models (e.g., RGB versus CMYK)
Color ranges/gamuts have inherent differences.
Various color gamuts exist from devices & processes.

Pre-Media Hex Color

Hex color code, based on CMYK, with added colors for broader range.
Creates sharper images and more detail, especially in shadows of designs.
Needed for specific print processes.

Pre-Media Additional Readings (General)

Important factors to consider when looking at color processes and related documents.
Includes specifics on PDF formats, trapping, and related issues such as moire patterns.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on PPI in Photoshop and the various aspects of the pre-media process. This quiz covers essential terms and concepts, helping you understand image resolution and workflow steps in digital printing. Perfect for students and professionals in graphic design and printing.