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Desktop Color Primer
Some color print devices are commonly referred to as
continuous tone
(or “contone”)
devices. They do not use traditional halftone screen patterns and angles. However, they
do apply dots (in some cases very elongated dots or lines) of different sizes to paper in a
process similar to halftoning.
Some DocuColor 40 CP systems have an optional Halftone Printer mode. When this
option is selected, the DocuColor 40 CP sends data to the print device as though it
were a halftone device, with each device pixel assigned either the maximum amount of
toner, or none at all. The halftone option, however, does not use the type of halftone
screens used in offset printing, nor does it duplicate results obtained in offset printing.
Even if your color printing is done exclusively on the DocuColor 40 CP, you will
encounter concepts from offset printing if you use high-end graphics applications. For
example, color controls in illustration applications such as Illustrator are geared toward
specifying color for offset printing using process and
spot colors
. Many applications
allow you to specify the screening used for each printing plate.
Using color effectively
The ability to print in color can greatly increase the effectiveness of your message,
whether you are printing a presentation or a newsletter, or proofing an ad concept that
will later be printed on press. Some potential benefits of using color include:
• Conveying information rapidly by using color cues
• Making use of the emotive aspects of different colors
• Increasing impact and message retention
Color can also be a source of distraction and discord if it is used poorly. This section
outlines some tips and concepts that will prove useful as you approach designing color
materials.
