what's the reason for the way SilverFast is calculating the output resolution of an image? I don't understand the difference between selecting the resolution the image should have at the end (i.e. 450 dpi) setting the quality factor to 1 and the grid width to 450 lpi or - at the other hand - setting the quality factor to 1.5 and the grid to 300 lpi.
Thank you for explanations!!!!
output resolution selection
-
pmitterboeck
- SilverFast Beginner
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Sun Oct 03, 2004 10:48 am
- Gregory C
- SilverFast Expert

- Posts: 366
- Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2002 1:00 am
- Scanner: Nikon Super Coolscan 4000ED
Microtek 5700 - SilverFast Product: Ai Studio
- Location: Hong Kong
- Contact:
lpi vs dpi; ie, offset printing vs digital
if you are scanning and processing an image to be printed in an offset printer, you can have SF calculate the optimal output resolution for you.
1. enter the output height and width; ie, the dimentions of the image as they will appear in the printed article. you can ignore the original dimensions and the scale factor fields.
2. enter the offset printer's lines-per-inch. it could be anything from 85 to 175 or even higher depending on the quality of the magazine.
3. enter a Q Factor. apparently (and I'm no expert), 1 / pi is the optimum, or approximately 1.4. or if you want to keep things simple, specify 1.5.
SF will automatically calculate the optimum input resolution to produce an image just large enough to print beautifully at the size and screen you specified. if you scanned at a higher resolution, the scan would take longer to complete, the image screen would take much longer to output, and the final printed image would not look significantly better. if you scanned at a lower resolution, the final printed image quality may not be acceptable.
if you are scanning for web display or inkjet printers where you know the required output resolution (72 or 100 for web display, and approx 225 to 400 for inkjet printers), specify the output dimensions and the input resolution. ignore the screen, Q factor and scale fields.
I have argued that for modern day scanning where many of the output images are destined for digital media, the fields should be more pixel-centric and the input resolution and output resolution values should be both visible. maybe something in this respect will happen in a future update.
regards
Gregory
1. enter the output height and width; ie, the dimentions of the image as they will appear in the printed article. you can ignore the original dimensions and the scale factor fields.
2. enter the offset printer's lines-per-inch. it could be anything from 85 to 175 or even higher depending on the quality of the magazine.
3. enter a Q Factor. apparently (and I'm no expert), 1 / pi is the optimum, or approximately 1.4. or if you want to keep things simple, specify 1.5.
SF will automatically calculate the optimum input resolution to produce an image just large enough to print beautifully at the size and screen you specified. if you scanned at a higher resolution, the scan would take longer to complete, the image screen would take much longer to output, and the final printed image would not look significantly better. if you scanned at a lower resolution, the final printed image quality may not be acceptable.
if you are scanning for web display or inkjet printers where you know the required output resolution (72 or 100 for web display, and approx 225 to 400 for inkjet printers), specify the output dimensions and the input resolution. ignore the screen, Q factor and scale fields.
I have argued that for modern day scanning where many of the output images are destined for digital media, the fields should be more pixel-centric and the input resolution and output resolution values should be both visible. maybe something in this respect will happen in a future update.
regards
Gregory
Return to “Imaging in general”
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest
