The Master File Workflow

How To Make Great Prints

Master File Workflow

Stage One: Data Capture

Stage Two: Interpretation

Stage Three:
Targeting

The Master File Workflow - Targeting

Targeting involves setting the height, width, dpi, sharpening, borders, and other factors to the optimum settings for a specific use. Any other specific use requires a separate targeted file. If you wanted to make the best 16x20 and 20x24 prints, you would need to make two separate files, one targeted for each size. Files can be targeted for photo quality prints, for web, for offset reproduction, or any process that can print a photographic file.

This guide will walk you through the most common steps in targeting. These steps are usually followed in the order presented below.

1. Make a copy of your Master or Interpreted file. The targeted file is a separate file. You always want to keep a copy of the master file so you can make new targeted files in the future.

2. Make sure that your image is flattened (i.e. there are no adjustment layers). Also make sure to delete all Alpha channels. Some output devices, like the Chromira, don’t recognize layers or alpha channels, and it will cause problems in printing. Flattening and deleting alpha channels makes a file that can be used by any output device.

3. Set the height, width, and dpi of your file to the size you want. Photoshop users will use the Image>Image Size menu option to do this. It is important to make sure that “constrained proportions” is checked.

4. Apply unsharp masking (USM) to taste.

5. If you want a border on your image, use the Image>Canvas Size menu in Photoshop. The added “canvas” will be the same color as the background color in the tool palette. 255 white is the most common choice.

6. If you have added a border, you need to add a trim mark. Trim marks allow your print to be trimmed correctly. Use the menu option Select>Select All then choose the menu option Edit>Stroke. You should use a 3-pixel black stroke with the location set to "inside".

7. Save your file.

A. Give the file a new name that includes the size of the print and the output device for which it was made.
(example file name: 100-041 16x20CH.tif)

B. Make sure the file is tagged with the ICC working space so the colors will print correctly.

C. Save as a TIFF file with no compression. This will be the most compatible file for any use, as almost everything can read TIFF files.

8. Upload your file and order your print!