Computer/Laptop
SoftwareThis is where Desk Top Publishing can get costly. In all the software programs categories, there are free/low-cost options called “Open Source” or “Freeware”. Many of the software programs can not only be expensive, but they are also difficult to learn and use for a lacemaker-turned book writer/graphic artist. If I were to start acquiring software programs with what I know now, I would choose free-ware/open-source programs. From what I have read, they are:
Page Layout Program/Word-Processing Program/EditorThis is the computer software program that you will use to write the text and be able to place images/illustrations/photos/prickings/patterns etc. on the page precisely where you want/need them. They are computer applications for creating and editing complex page layouts. In other words—complex page layouts are those that include not only text components but graphic image components such as photos and llustrations—any type of ‘images’. Word-Processing Programs (such as MS Word) can be used. Newer versions of this software type have higher capabilities for control of placement of text and images. Just like anything there are pros and cons to using a true layout program versus a word processing program. Word-Processing programs are cheap and included on almost every computer sold. They are also easier to use. However, they don’t give as much control/options as a true layout software program. Layout programs can be expensive and the learning curve very steep. They have the potential to do a lot of things the commercial graphic artist use but learning how to do what you want to do can be a daunting task. If you persevere through the steep learning steps, you will be happy with the ability you have to control how each book page is laid out and looks. These software programs are also known as Desk Top Publishing Software Page Layout Software Programs include:
If you plan to have any images (photos or illustrations) then you will need Graphic Software Programs. These software programs are used to create and edit graphic images—things such as line-scale drawings, illustrations, photos. Graphic Software Programs come in two forms:
Pixel/Raster/Bitmap Image EditorsRaster Image Editing Programs allow you to edit digital images such as photos or illustrations created via a digital camera or a digital scanner. These images are sizeable down without reducing the quality of the image, but cannot be enlarged without destruction of quality. For instance you can crop a photo, convert color of the photo from one format to another (CYMK vs RGB), change/save/convert between file types,
Common Pixel/Raster/Bitmap Image Editor Programs include:
Raster/Bitmap Formats:
Vector Image EditorsVector-based graphics/programs are better for sharp-edged artistic illustrations–such as technical, diagramming, flowcharting, typography, etc.—My visual patterns are created this way Vector-Based Image Editor Programs include:
Popular vector-based graphics formats include: EPS, PDF, WMF, SVG, VML
There will be 2 separate files in the post-script code:
The pre-view file is a low resolution bitmap image (either TIFF or PICT format) that allows you to see the EPS file onscreen for programs (such as page layout programs) that cannot render onscreen graphics.It also allows printing of a low-resolution proof of the EPS file to a non-Post Script printer. When you import the EPS file into your page layout program, the image you see on your page will be the low-resolution preview image and will look terrible. Do not despair….the actual file will be the high-resolution file that you created. When you print out the page layout program document, you must use a post-script printer for the actual image to print out at full/high resolution. If not using a post-script printer the preview image will be used instead and the printed image will be low-resolution (ugly!).The non post-script printer will be able to interpret the PICT or TIFF preview image but not the post-script code of the vector-based EPS actual file.(If you print the document on a non post-script printer with the preview image missing too, you will get a gray path with a black stripe.)
Adobe Acrobat Distiller–A software program that turns a Post-Script file into PDF documents Raster Image Processor/Processing–(RIP) The process/means of turning a vector-based document/file (such as a Post-script file) into a high-resolution image before printing. It acts as a translator between the document and the printer. The RIP receives data in PS, PCL, PDF format (vector-based) and converts them to bitmap/raster image, a format that most printers can utilize. RIProcessors come in two forms:
Every Post-script printer contains a RIProcessor in its firmware.Most laser printers come with “PS Level 3 RIP”.Most inkjet printers will need a separate software RIP solution. RIP Problems
When troubleshooting RIP errors:
I use:
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