1-bit TIFF Workflows and Precautions

Today's traditional processes are increasingly being replaced by digital workflows, and there are also many workflows that use different file formats as data streams. Depending on the format of the data stream, the workflow can be divided into PS, PDF, and 1-bit TIFF workflows. PS, PDF workflow is the workflow process before RIP, its main feature is to make a PS or PDF file imposition, and then output a large version of the PS or PDF file, and then perform RIP interpretation. PS files are difficult to guarantee in terms of security, and errors may occur during the final interpretation of RIP. Error checking and re-encoding can greatly affect work efficiency. PDF files can avoid the problem of text garbled and image replacement, but the ability of different RIPs to support different versions of PDF is also not the same. It is difficult to completely guarantee the security output at this stage.

TIFF files are the most widely used image file formats in digital prepress and printing. Version 6.0 was introduced in 1992, and 1-bit TIFF files are bitmap data stored in TIFF 6.0 format. Image, so 1-bit TIFF files are important applications in the field of digital workflow.

1-bit TIFF work process

After the PS or PDF file generated by the front-end publishing software is interpreted by RIP, a 1-bit TIFF file that meets the accuracy of the back-end output is generated and then imposed by the imposition software that can accept the 1-bit TIFF file. Due to the large amount of data in the file, the file usually undergoes some processing before entering the imposition software, forming a low-resolution small file specifically for imposition preview in the imposition software, which can greatly improve the imposition speed. After the imposition is completed, output to different output devices, such as digital proofing machine, laser imagesetter, and computer-to-plate making equipment, etc., and then replace the low resolution files with high-resolution files to ensure the output accuracy.

1-bit TIFF Features

1. Safe and reliable

As a data flow after the RIP digital workflow, 1-bit TIFF files are generated by the RIP, and also record a variety of screening information, including the screen angle, screen number, etc., formed in the front-end graphics, images, text, etc. The information is fixed with high-resolution dot matrix information and will not be affected by the subsequent process. Therefore, 1-bit TIFF is called "digital film", and 1-bit TIFF is a safe and reliable workflow for data flow.

2. Ability to find errors in files in time

Since RIP is first performed on PS or PDF files and then imposed, the problems existing in the files can be detected in the RIP process, thereby ensuring the correctness of the imposition files.

3. Last minute edit

At the very last moment before the output, once there is a place where changes need to be made in a certain edition, the PDF and PDF workflows need to be re-enforced as a whole after revision; for the 1-bit TIFF workflow, after the modification, As long as the wrong version is replaced in the imposition software, it does not have to be re-enforced, which can greatly improve the efficiency of error correction.

4. One RIP, multiple output

A 1-bit TIFF file generated by a RIP can be output to multiple devices, such as digital proofing after RIP, with a 1-bit TIFF output server output device, and the computer-to-plate device is based on a 1-bit TIFF file. The only acceptable data format.

5. High workflow automation

On the face of it, the 1-bit TIFF process has a more complex workflow before RIP, but in the case of workflow automation, this condition is not perceived by the operator, and the low resolution file The production of the large-scale file and the output of the large-scale file are automatically performed in the background and do not require the operator to intervene immediately. Therefore, a highly automated workflow can reduce the difficulty of operation and increase the efficiency of production.

The 1-bit TIFF workflow can be divided into two categories for commercial use and newspaper use according to the purpose. The common commercial printing fields include the new Yintong and Jinhao RPS workstations. The main purpose is to solve the binding of books and periodicals; press printing Commonly used high-tech newspapers reported that the main purpose of the newspaper to solve the high efficiency of imposition. The 1-bit TIFF workflow is a good choice for printing companies that are looking for workflow security and efficiency. With the promotion and popularization of CTP and digital workflows, 1-bit TIFF workflows will have broader application prospects.

Precautions

Considering the characteristics of the 1-bit TIFF file itself, the following points should be taken into consideration when using the 1-bit TIFF workflow more efficiently.

1. Select the appropriate compression method

The 1-bit TIFF file generated after RIP interpretation has a large amount of data. If it is not compressed, it consumes more storage resources on the one hand, and it is not conducive to file transmission on the other hand. In the RIP interpretation, it is usually possible to compress files efficiently using the ccitt_group4 compression format so that the files can be easily transmitted over the network without loss of image quality.

2. Device-related features

A 1-bit TIFF file is a file associated with a device. Since it records the linearization information of the outlets associated with the output device, the specific 1-bit TIFF file can only be output to a specific device. For the output method of transferring 1-bit TIFF files in different places, it is necessary to ensure that the linearized information contained in the file is consistent with the output device, so as to ensure the accuracy of the output network.