TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Getting a Manual Printed From:"DAVE SNODGRASS, EXT. 7562" <V$DJSNOD -at- QTIWORLD -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 21 Jan 1998 13:54:14 -0600
To optimize the quality of Docutech output, experiment with the line screen
setting in your postscript file.
If screened headings, halftones, or screen captures with grayscale areas appear
too dark, lowering the line screen setting to 65 (approx) may improve the
results.
Build a couple test files to RIP, with line screen settings ranging from 65 to
100.
This type of testing can be performed as you work on a project. Experimenting
with output options on the day the document is due can be frustrating, so plan
ahead. :)
The Docutech operator also has a couple general settings that can be made to
the entire file, but it is better to control your own destiny here, so the
process can be repeated. Learn it once, use it often.
Never seen a dialog box for setting line screen? Odds are high that you are
using a word processor for page layout.
Hope this helps.
(Most of experience is based on the Docutech 135. I believe they have a newer,
better, faster model out now. Your printer should be able to help you resolve
most of these preflight issues.)
