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An Introduction to Digital Color Printing

This sample page is from the Customized Printing section which explains how four-color images and text can be electronically varied or customized on a page while the document is being printed.



A sample page
featuring detailed graphics
Digital printing presses that use electronically imaged drums can provide a wide range of new printing possibilities with a feature called customization. As a document is printed, certain images or text on a page can vary, while other elements on the page remain the same. This is a singular advantage of true digital systems as compared to digitally plated offset presses.

How Does Customization Work?
Images or text that will vary are identified in the document using the page layout program in conjunction with software controls on the press. Variable elements are contained in a database, which is stored in memory. As the document prints, the press substitutes elements as it electronically re-images variable areas of the drum. The number and size of substituted images or text are constrained by memory and press limitations, and substituting large four-color images will increase RIP time. Check beforehand to find out the type of customization that's possible

Customizing Documents
Simple black text customization has been common on form letters and other text-based advertising, but digital presses offer greater possibilities with images and four colors. Customizing documents will often increase impact and response rates. Individual real-estate flyers can be printed with a photograph of each agent, while boilerplate information remains the same. Catalogs can be tailored to individual tastes and interests, and thus printed with fewer (but more relevant) pages.


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Return to the overview of the Digital Color Prepress series.


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