About supported output formats

Raster Output: Output files are bitmaps that represent an image as a matrix of dots. The output is similar to what one might get from a scanner. Raster output is the result of sending vector data such as text or paths through a RIP.

DCS Raster

Creates screened or continuous tone, separated output only.
Contains already-RIPed, screened bitmap data that can be used with any raster-based proofer. In contrast, DCS vector output contains data that is not RIPed or screened, but is intended to be further processed in another workflow or RIP.
Output of spot colors is supported.

Screened: Use when you need a prescreened DCS (copydot-like) file. This is when you want to preprocess a file to speed final output, or when you want to lock down the screening.

Contone: Use when you want the final RIP to perform the screening, and the final RIP requires rasterized input. Using this method, text edges will appear fuzzy.

Epson 5000 and Epson 9000

Creates 1-bit screened output.
Spot colors are converted to process.

Epson 5000 and Epson 9000 printers respectively.

EPS Raster

Creates screened or continuous tone, composite output only.
This produces one composite bitmap file. Spot colors are converted to process colors (CMYK recipes).
Output is supported on four-color process devices.

Third-party proofing devices that support raster output—for example, Hewlett Packard laser printers.

HPRTL

Creates screened or continuous tone, composite output only.
This produces one composite bitmap file per separation. Spot colors are converted to process colors (CMYK recipes).
Output supported on four-color process devices.

HP DesignJet plotters.

JPEG

Creates continuous tone, composite, RGB output only.
This produces one composite bitmap file. Spot colors are converted to process colors (CMYK recipes).

In some circumstances, useful for Web proofing.

Kodak Approval EPS

Creates 1-bit screened output.
Spot colors are converted to process colors (CMYK recipes).

Kodak Approval printers when connected via AIT or Global Graphics Harlequin.

Kodak Approval TIFF

Creates 1-bit separated output suitable for sending to Approval printers.

Kodak Approval printers when connected via AIT or Harlequin.

Kodak Proofers (KPS direct connect)

Creates continuous tone, composite output. Spot colors are converted to process colors (CMYK recipes).
Prints directly to the Veris, Matchprint Inkjet, or Kodak Approval proofer

Kodak Veris digital proofer, Matchprint Inkjet proofer, and Kodak Approval proofer when connected via Kodak Proofing Software (KPS).

LQS TIFF

Creates screened or continuous tone, separated output only.
This produces one bitmap file. Spot colors are supported.

Kodak Lotem Spectrum platesetter.

PDF Raster

Creates screened or continuous tone, composite output only.
This produces one composite bitmap file.
Spot colors can be converted either by Prinergy or by the digital printer.

Any digital printer that accepts PDF files.
If the digital printer is used for final output, choose continuous tone output and configure the digital printer to convert spot colors to process.
If the digital printer is used for proofing a press job, choose screened output and convert spot colors to process in Prinergy.

Other uses of PDF raster:

• Providing remote sites with a soft proof PDF that accurately represents Prinergy's interpretation of the original vector file.
• Creating an instant copydot version of any page. 

Sites receiving a PDF raster file should configure Acrobat or their RIP to respect overprints.

Scitex CT (contone)

Creates continuous tone, composite output only.
This produces one continuous tone (CT). Spot colors are converted to process colors (CMYK recipes).

Use for output to devices that require Scitex CT files.

TIFF

Creates screened or continuous tone, separated or composite output.
If separated output, spot colors are retained and output.
If composite output, spot colors are converted to process colors (CMYK recipes).

Screened separated output
Lotem 400 platesetters.
Dolev 800 V imagesetters.
Spectrum proofing devices: Lotem Quantum and Trendsetter devices.
Composite continuous tone output
Matchprint Inkjet proofer.
Other third-party proofing devices.

Virtual Proof

Creates screened separated output. Spot colors are retained.
Produces a Virtual Proofing System bitmap file. Creates one bitmap file per separation.

Virtual Proofing System software.

Windows Bitmap

Creates screened (1-bit) separated output. Prinergy does not support contone (256 shades) for BMP output.
Spot colors are not supported.

Can be useful in some circumstances requiring BMP output.

Vector output: Output is not screened or RIPed. Output files are often smaller and image faster than raster format files. Text and paths are retained in vector form.

DCS (Vector output)

Creates separated output.
Spot colors are retained. The output DCS files can contain low-resolution previews and OPI information. The purpose is to produce reliable PostScript for downstream imposition, page layout, and RIPing, outside of the Prinergy system. Downstream systems include Preps, Allegro, Taipan, and imagesetter systems.

Use when you want to place the page within other software such as in a QuarkXPress document or Preps imposition.
Note: This format will not work if you want to send directly to an imagesetting device that does not have software.

EPS (Vector output)

Creates high-quality PostScript 3-compatible EPS files.

Use when you need to place a file into desktop software, such as QuarkXPress. Final results of placing an EPS are often superior to placing a PDF in the desktop software.

PDF (Vector output)

If the input file is a composite PDF, the output can be either composite or separated.
If the input file is a separated PDF, the output can only be separated.
If launched from Signatures or Separations view, creates an imposed PDF flat. If launched from Pages view (pages pane, Pageset pane), creates single-page or multi-page PDFs, depending on Process Template settings.

Use when you want to send the page or imposition file to a RIP or software application that can consume or work with PDF files, or to create a PDF soft proof.
You can also omit and map separations for composite input files when outputting vector PDF (separated or composite). If using Legacy Versioning (2 pages in 1 page set position), vector PDF output will give you a single PDF with the layered PDF on top of the other. Various proofing-related functions, such as adding page marks, trim lines, and creating a signature booklet, can also be accomplished with vector PDF.

PDF/X-1a:2001 (Vector output)

Creates composite output only.
Spot colors are retained.
Creates a flat or single-page PDF file.

Use when you want to send the file to a RIP or software that can consume or work with PDF files, or to create a PDF soft proof.
Also useful when exchanging advertisement files or page files.

PS2 (Vector output)

Creates a separated PostScript file using PostScript Level 2.

Use when you want to send the page directly to an imagesetting device, to impose in Preps, or to output flats.

PS3 (PostScriptOut)

If the input file is a composite PDF file, the output can be either composite or separated PostScript 3.
If the input file is a separated PDF file, the output can only be separated.

Use when you want to send the page directly to an imagesetting device or to impose in Preps, or to output flats.

CT/LW (CTLWOutput)

Outputs PDF pages to CEPS pages in Scitex CT/LW or TIFF/IT format.
CT/LW supports spot colors; TIFF/IT does not.

Use CT/LW for output to other systems, for example, Brisque or gravure imaging systems that require CT/LW files.
Use TIFF/IT for advertising agencies that require TIFF/IT files.
Note: To specify CT/LW or TIFF/IT output, see the output process template Render section.