Computer-to-Plate
In the Computer-to-Plate or CTP process the image of the page from a digital file is recorded directly from the file to the printing plate instead of creating film and making the plate from the film. Although CTP is a printing process, in order to insure the best possible output it is important that the designer discuss CTP with their printer. The printer's familiarity with the process, their equipment, the type of plates, and file format and preparation all play a role in the success of the computer-to-plate process.
12 Steps to Successful CTP Output (PDF)
Extracted from the Prepress Production Guidelines, this PDF from Moore Wallace Publication and Directory Group describes some do's and don'ts for getting a file printed using CTP. While most of these items may be common file preparation tips for any kind of printing, they are especially important in the CTP workflow.
Extracted from the Prepress Production Guidelines, this PDF from Moore Wallace Publication and Directory Group describes some do's and don'ts for getting a file printed using CTP. While most of these items may be common file preparation tips for any kind of printing, they are especially important in the CTP workflow.
CTP 101
American Printer article, written for the print industry, includes descriptions of the various plates used in CTP.
American Printer article, written for the print industry, includes descriptions of the various plates used in CTP.
Direct to Plate Process
In the Desktop Publishing forum, this message describes what CtP is and whether there is a difference in the types of color jobs that would use direct to plate.
In the Desktop Publishing forum, this message describes what CtP is and whether there is a difference in the types of color jobs that would use direct to plate.
Discussion of Computer-to-Plate
From 1996, this Electronic Exchange article includes a little history of the process and some of the advantages of CTP for both the printer and the designer/customer.
From 1996, this Electronic Exchange article includes a little history of the process and some of the advantages of CTP for both the printer and the designer/customer.
Dot Print Articles
Index of CTP articles presents issues from the printers point of view.
Index of CTP articles presents issues from the printers point of view.
Endangered Species: The state of the imagesetter
Back in 1999 Scott Bury addressed the issue of how the emerging CTP technology was affecting imagesetters.
Back in 1999 Scott Bury addressed the issue of how the emerging CTP technology was affecting imagesetters.
Fine Print (PDF)
Within this PDF newsletter by Courier Corporation are tips on CTP proofs, PDF & CTP, and other file preparation advice.
Within this PDF newsletter by Courier Corporation are tips on CTP proofs, PDF & CTP, and other file preparation advice.
First Generation, Cheaper
ColourSat describes some of the advantages of CTP and mentions a few things you might need to do differently in preparing your files.
ColourSat describes some of the advantages of CTP and mentions a few things you might need to do differently in preparing your files.
Platesetting FAQ
Precision Digital answers questions such as why to use CTP, how Laser Matchprint proofs compare to conventional Matchprint proofs, etc. Some questions/answers are specific to clients working with Precision Digital.
Precision Digital answers questions such as why to use CTP, how Laser Matchprint proofs compare to conventional Matchprint proofs, etc. Some questions/answers are specific to clients working with Precision Digital.
Prepress Production Guidelines (PDF)
An excellent tutorial by Moore Wallace Publication and Directory Group on preparing files for computer-to-plate printing. Includes "12 Steps to Successful CTP Output," page layout guidelines, and a glossary.
An excellent tutorial by Moore Wallace Publication and Directory Group on preparing files for computer-to-plate printing. Includes "12 Steps to Successful CTP Output," page layout guidelines, and a glossary.
Relative Proof
At GraphicsIQ, Bob Wiebel takes a look at how computer-to-plate printing has changed the proofing process.
At GraphicsIQ, Bob Wiebel takes a look at how computer-to-plate printing has changed the proofing process.
SWOP Specifications
For both film and direct to plate, outlines how files should be prepared including type, screens, gray balance, and digital file formats in order to comply with SWOP specs.
For both film and direct to plate, outlines how files should be prepared including type, screens, gray balance, and digital file formats in order to comply with SWOP specs.