English Getting Started

Transcription

1 Getting Started with Flextight and FlexColor

2

3 Getting Started with Flextight and FlexColor

4 Imacon A/S. All rights reserved., Part No XXXXXXXX, revision X.X The information in this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by Imacon A/S. Imacon A/S assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual. Imacon A/S assumes no responsibility or liability for loss or damage incurred during or as a result of using Imacon software or products. Imacon, FlexColor and Flextight are trademarks of Imacon A/S. Adobe and Adobe Photoshop are trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc. Macintosh, Mac OS and ColorSync are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Printed in Denmark.

5 Table of Contents 3 Table of Contents Read This First! 5 Calibrate Your Monitor! 6 Working with ICC Profiles 6 The Imacon Design Philosophy 7 Getting Started Quickly 9 Quick-Start Tutorial 11 Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor 12 Calibration Materials 12 Color Calibrating Your System 12 Step 2: Set up Your Scanner 18 Important Notes and Warnings 18 SCSI Requirements for PCs 18 SCSI Requirements for Macintosh 19 Step 3: Install FlexColor Software 20 Installing FlexColor on a Macintosh 20 Installing FlexColor on a Windows Computer 21 Important Notes for using Flextight 4800 with a Macintosh 21 Important Notes for using Flextight 4800 with Windows 22 Step 4: Mount Your Original 23 Step 5: Take a Preview 24 Step 6: Crop and Size Your Scan 27 Step 7: Set the Tonal Range 29 Step 8: Finish Your Image 31 Step 9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print 32 Troubleshooting 38 Frequently Asked Questions 39 Imaging Problems 40 Focus or Sizing 40 Striping on Reflective Originals 41 All-Black or All-White Images 41

6 4 Table of Contents Pixelated or Missing Images 41 Halos in Final Images 42 Noise in Final Images 42 Color Problems 42 Extreme Color Results 42 Color Inaccuracies in Final Prints 43 Loading Problems 43 Lost Originals in Flextight Precision 43 If the Drum Motor Does Not Turn Off 44 If the Originals Are Not Loading Correctly 44 If the Scanner Is Not Responding 44 Problems Starting Your Computer 44 Software Performance on a Macintosh 45 Macintosh Model 45 Monitor 45 Graphics Capability 45 Memory (RAM) Size 45 Memory Setup 46 Free Disk Space 46 Background Applications 46 System Extensions 46 Software Performance under Windows 47 Monitor 47 Graphics Capability 47 Memory (RAM) Size 47 Free Disk Space 47 Background Applications 47 Scanning to CMYK and Color Management 48 For Further Assistance 48

7 Read This First! 5 Read This First! Welcome to FlexTight with FlexColor software! The FlexTight system is both powerful and easy to use. This section provides you with all of the information you need to get started quickly. It draws attention to some of the less-obvious but most-important issues of monitor calibration and color separation. Even if you never read manuals - Read This First! Getting Started with FlexTight and FlexColor

8 Read This First! 6 Calibrate Your Monitor! Calibrate Your Monitor! To get good results with your scanner you must calibrate your monitor. The FlexColor scanning software, and your other image manipulation software, provide extremely powerful tools for manipulating the brightness, contrast, and colors in your images. However, you will not be able to use the tools to get good results in print unless your monitor is calibrated to resemble printed output. There are two steps to getting good color results with Flextight and FlexColor: Calibrate your monitor by following the directions given in "Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12. Set up a set of ICC profiles for use with FlexColor as described in "Step 9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print" on page 32. FlexColor uses ICC profiles to create calibrated color separations that incorporate the effects of both the Flextight scanner and your output device when creating output colors in CMYK. Both of these steps are fast and easy, though not obvious. There is no other single action you can take that will have a more powerful effect on the quality of your scans in print. Working with ICC Profiles When you use a scanner (no matter what kind), the light sensor that captures the image breaks the image colors down into Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) light. These are the primary colors for transmitted light, and are also used by your computer monitor to show color images on the screen. When you print an image, the output device uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and black (CMYK) ink (though some proof printers and desktop color printers do not include black). These are the primary colors for reflected light. The process of transforming image colors from RGB to CMYK is complex - especially when deciding how much black to place into the mix. Also, because each device in the chain (scanner, monitor, proof printer, and offset printer) represents colors slightly differently, it becomes very challenging indeed to maintain the original colors all the way through to the final print. That is why the color reproduction industry has invented ICC profiles as a standard way to describe how all devices represent color.

9 Read This First! The Imacon Design Philosophy 7 In Mac OS, ICC profiles are controlled through Apple's ColorSync technology. In Windows 98 and Windows 2000, they are controlled through the Image Color Management (ICM) system. Earlier versions of Windows do not support ICC profiles. By combining ICC profiles, FlexColor is able to maintain color fidelity throughout the process, including the conversion to CMYK. It is very easy to use ICC profiles - complete instructions are given in "Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12 and "Step 9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print" on page 32. The process of preparing RGB scans for print in CMYK colors has become an art form that takes years to master. Every high-end scanner operator and printer has his or her own system for judging how the inks should balance to create attractive and accurate colors in the final print. Keep in mind that when you approach your printer or service bureau with your own pre-separated scans, they will most likely be suspicious and may question the results even after checking the files. We encourage you to follow through with a test print using the standard ICC results. Then meet with your printer and discuss the results. If you decide that you need to improve the accuracy of your output profile, send your printer a copy of the "Fax to Printer" form included with Flextight. It makes it easy for your printer to tell you how to improve your results. The Macintosh version of FlexColor includes a powerful ICC profile editor which you can use to implement your printer's suggestions. The Imacon Design Philosophy Flextight and FlexColor have been designed with the philosophy that when creating digital images, it is best to judge image quality with your eyes, not based on point measurements and color lookup tables. This is why we have drawn so much attention to the screen calibration procedure in the tutorial, and why we have integrated ICC profiles to maintain the color accuracy you see on your screen all the way to print. To make it easy for you to see and use the preview, FlexColor provides a large 14-bit image with a zoom function and magnifier window. Because your monitor can only show 8-bit colors, FlexColor calculates a new 8-bit image from the 14-bit information each time you apply a highlight, shadow, gradation, or color setting. This creates a very accurate preview

10 Read This First! 8 The Imacon Design Philosophy image, but requires approximately one second (depending on your computer) to update the preview each time you make a new setting. With a traditional drum scanner, the professional operator requires extensive education and experience to make all of the settings required to obtain good results. The operator examines each original and, applying his or her experience, enters a "best guess" of what all the setting should be for that particular type of original. Then the operator checks the preview and makes fine tuning adjustments. FlexColor simplifies this process by enabling you to save a library of setups that you use most frequently. Nearly all FlexColor settings, including all settings in the Setup, Gradations, Histogram, and Unsharp Mask windows, are saved in each setup file. FlexColor is delivered with several generic setups to get you started quickly. Each time you scan a new original, select the closest setup from the Setup menu, define the crop, click on the Auto button, and you are 98 to 100% of the way to a perfect scan. All of the features of FlexColor are focused on helping you to take the best part of the precision 14-bit colors captured by Flextight and saving a perfect 8-bit, print-ready image. We have not attempted to reproduce functionality already available with other industry standard tools such as Adobe Photoshop. FlexColor presents a clean, streamlined user interface that captures the best possible images in the least possible time.

11 Read This First! Getting Started Quickly 9 Getting Started Quickly The "Quick-Start Tutorial" on page 11 contains a short tutorial, which shows you how to setup your scanner, install the software, and take your first scan. We strongly recommend that you work through the tutorial as a way to familiarize yourself with your new scanner and software. Below is a brief summary. For more information, please read the tutorial and/or consult the FlexColor Software Reference and your Flextight User's Guide. 1. Calibrate your monitor as described in "Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor" on page Set up the Flextight scanner as described in your scanner's user manual. See also "Step 2: Set up Your Scanner" on page 18 for important notes. 3. Install the FlexColor software. See "Step 3: Install FlexColor Software" on page 20 for instructions and system requirements. 4. Start the FlexColor software. 5. Select the appropriate holder for your original and load it into the scanner by laying it on the light table and sliding it gently up into the scanner.

12 Read This First! 10 Getting Started Quickly 6. Lift the top layer of the original holder and position your original. If you are scanning a transparency, make sure that all of the edges are covered by a margin of at least 2 mm. If you are using Flextight Photo, then place the emulsion side upwards. If you are using Flextight Precision or Progression, place the emulsion side down. (See your scanner's manual for more information about loading various types of originals.) 7. Use the Setup pop-up menu to choose the appropriately named setup for your original (ICC profile selections are made for you as part of the setup you choose). 8. Use the Frame drop-down list to choose the format of your original. 9. Click on the Preview button in FlexColor. 10. Set the Height, Width, DPI, and color Mode for your final scan. 11. Click on the lock icon so that it is shut. Then click and drag any corner of the dotted crop outline shown on the preview image. Note that the Zoom value updates, but none of the other output values change. 12. Click on the Auto button to set highlight and shadow points. 13. Click on Scan.

13 Quick-Start Tutorial 11 Quick-Start Tutorial This Quick-start tutorial will get you up and running with your Flextight scanner quickly and easily. You will learn how to: Calibrate your monitor Set up your Flextight scanner Install the FlexColor Software Load originals into the scanner Take a preview Make basic scan settings Take a final scan Work with ICC color profiles to create color-calibrated print-ready CMYK output

14 Quick-Start Tutorial 12 Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor One of the most important things you can do to get high-quality scans is to calibrate your monitor so that you can make good decisions when making scan settings. The procedure described here assumes that you have Adobe Photoshop 5.02 or newer installed on your computer. If you are using an older version of Photoshop, or another image-editing program, then check the documentation that came with your program to see if it supports similar settings and try to follow the procedure below as closely as possible. Calibration Materials Your Flextight scanner comes with a sample image print. Both RGB and CMYK versions of the file used to make this print are included on the FlexColor CD-ROM. Color Calibrating Your System Photoshop includes a setup assistant that will help you set up your color management system (this assistant was introduced in Photoshop 5.0.2; it is not available in older versions). When you have finished running the assistant, a color profile for your monitor will be set up for your system and Photoshop will be configured to use these profiles to create an accurate on-screen representation of your printed output. Before starting the procedure below, we recommend that you read "Chapter 5: Representing Color Accurately" of the Photoshop manual, which provides excellent background information.

15 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor 13 To color calibrate your system: 1. Make sure that the Knoll Gamma control panel is not active on your machine. Use the search feature of your operating system (usually in the Apple menu in Mac OS and in the Start menu in Windows) to find "Gamma". If the control panel is found, run it and make sure it is set to Off. 2. If you have a hardware-based monitor calibration and ICC profile-generating system, then use it to measure and calibrate your monitor. Follow the instructions included with your calibration system and skip to step 8 below. If you plan to use Adobe's tools for calibrating your monitor, continue with the next step. 3. Start Photoshop (version 5.02 or higher). 4. Choose Color Management from the Help menu. The Adobe Color Management Assistant appears.

16 Quick-Start Tutorial 14 Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor 5. Click on the Open Adobe Gamma button to open the Adobe Gamma window. 6. Click on the Step By Step (Assistant) radio button and then click on Next. Informative text is provided on-screen for each setting. For more information about the settings, see "Chapter 5: Representing Color Accurately" of the Photoshop manual. 7. When you have finished working through the gamma assistant, a new monitor profile will be created based on your settings. Click on Save to save your profile with a new name. You must save it in the folder used by your operating system for ICC profiles. For most recent versions of the Mac OS, use the ColorSync Profiles folder inside the System Folder. For Windows 98, use C:\WIN98\SYSTEM\COLOR\. This profile will automatically be selected as the monitor profile for your system. 8. Choose File -> Color Settings -> CMYK Setup in Photoshop. Then click on the ICC radio button. It should match the screen shot below. Here you should choose the CMYK profile that you will use for most of your work. You will also choose this profile in FlexColor to create color-calibrated color separations on-the-fly while scanning.

17 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor 15 If you are not sure what to choose, we recommend that you use the Flextight 330% Skel.K. 75/30%, which has been created by Imacon to create generally useful high-quality color separations. For more information about the profiles included with FlexColor, see the FlexColor Software Reference. When you are done, click on OK. 9. Choose File -> Color Settings -> RGB Setup in Photoshop. Set the RGB pop-up menu to Adobe RGB (1998). This assigns the working space used by Photoshop. The Adobe RGB space is very large, thereby allowing you to view and work with the largest possible number of different colors. 10. Still working the RGB Setup window, click on Save. This will save your selected RGB working space as an ICC profile. Give the profile a new name, such as "Adobe RGB (1998) Profile", and save it in the ICC profile folder used by your operating system. For most recent versions of the Mac OS, use the ColorSync Profiles folder inside the System Folder. For Windows 98, use C:\WIN98\SYSTEM\COLOR\. The RGB drop down list in the RGB Setup window now shows the name of the file that you just saved. Finally, click on OK to close the RGB Setup window. 11. Quit and restart Photoshop. This will make the new RGB profile you saved available to other dialog boxes in Photoshop. continues...

18 Quick-Start Tutorial 16 Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor...continued 12. Choose File -> Color Settings -> Profile Setup in Photoshop. This window enables you to control how Photoshop will handle image files that contain embedded ICC profiles, such as those created by FlexColor. Make the following settings: Mark all of the check boxes in the Embed Profiles area except for CMYK. This will cause Photoshop to embed the profiles it uses for all color spaces other than CMYK. In general, you do not want to make further conversions after you have generated CMYK data. Because embedding a profile could trigger automatic conversion to another profile when the file is opened again in Photoshop, it is best not to embed a CMYK profile. Set all of the Assumed Profiles pop-up menus to None. This means that Photoshop will not assume that any profile was used for files that do not have an embedded profile. Set the RGB pop-up menu under Profile Mismatch Handling to Ask When Opening. This will cause Photoshop to ask you what to do whenever it tries to open a file that has an RGB profile other than the one selected in the RGB Setup window, which you selected and saved in step 10. Set the CMYK pop-up menu under Profile Mismatch Handling to Ignore. This will cause Photoshop to ignore profiles embedded in CMYK files. This is best because you generally should not change the color spaces of CMYK files.

19 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor 17 The Grayscale settings are not used by FlexColor, so they are not important to this procedure. 13. Insert the FlexColor CD into your CD-ROM drive. From Photoshop, choose Open from the File menu. Navigate to the Calibration folder on the FlexColor CD and open the CMYK and RGB images stored there. Note that the two images are similar, but not exactly alike. This is because the CMYK color space is more limited than the RGB space. 14. Compare the images you see on your screen with the sample print included with your scanner. They should be very similar, allowing for ambient lighting conditions at your desk. If they are not, repeat this procedure to double-check you settings. 15. Your monitor, system, and Photoshop are now color calibrated.

20 Quick-Start Tutorial 18 Step 2: Set up Your Scanner Step 2: Set up Your Scanner See your Flextight Scanner User's Guide for complete instructions about how to set up your scanner. A few important notes are provided in the sections below. Important Notes and Warnings Take special notice of the following points as you set up your scanner: Make sure all electrical and environmental requirements are satisfied. Always turn off your computer and all SCSI devices before installing the scanner. You can damage your equipment if you make or break SCSI connections to or from units that are turned on. Make sure that each device in your SCSI chain has been assigned a different SCSI address. Make sure your SCSI chain is terminated correctly. This means that the empty connector on the last device in your SCSI chain must be fitted with a terminator. If your chain is not terminated, your computer system may not work properly. SCSI Requirements for PCs If you ordered you scanner for use with a PC, then the scanner includes a SCSI card. If you computer does not already have a SCSI card, then you must install one before you can connect your scanner to your computer. See the manual packaged with the SCSI card for instructions. Imacon has tested the following cards for compatibility with Windows and Flextight: Adaptec 2930: This is the card that is shipped with Flextight scanners ordered for use with a PC. It includes the required EZ-SCSI software. Adaptec 2904: This card has been tested for compatibility with Flextight scanners running under Windows, but does not include the EZ-SCSI software, which is required when running under NT4 or Win2000. You must have the following software installed to use your SCSI card with Flextight: Adaptec EZ-SCSI version 5.0 or later: This software is required when running under NT4 or Win2000. It is included with the Adaptec 2930 adapter and with Flextight scanner delivered for use with a PC.

21 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 2: Set up Your Scanner 19 SCSI Requirements for Macintosh Most Macintosh systems before the G4 desktop series come with SCSI card as standard. If you are using a G4 model that does not include a SCSI card, then you must purchase and install one yourself before you can use the scanner. Imacon has tested the following cards for compatibility with Mac OS computers and Flextight: Adaptec 2904: This is an inexpensive card that works well with Flextight scanners connected to a Macintosh. Note, however, that your computer will not be able to boot from a SCSI hard drive connected to this adapter. Adaptec 2930: This is the card that is shipped with Flextight scanners ordered for use with a PC. In addition to driving Flextight scanners, you can also boot your computer from SCSI hard disks connected to this card. The Mac OS offers excellent plug-and-play support for SCSI cards, so installation should be very easy and no additional software is required. See the documentation that comes with your SCSI card for complete instructions.

22 Quick-Start Tutorial 20 Step 3: Install FlexColor Software Step 3: Install FlexColor Software Flextight Precision comes with its own image-capturing software application, which is called FlexColor. Now that your scanner is set-up, you must install the software so that you can control the scanner from your computer. Installing FlexColor on a Macintosh 1. Insert the FlexColor CD into your CD-ROM drive. 2. Open the CD in Mac OS and double-click on the program called "FlexColor Installer." 3. Follow the directions given on the screen while the install program runs. Be sure to check the Read Me file and follow any extra instructions included there. 4. Start FlexColor by doubleclicking on the FlexColor icon. When launching FlexColor for the first time a Memory configuration window will pop up giving you a choice of 3 memory configurations: Small (=50 MB): Medium (=100 MB): Large (=192 MB): Only scanners are supported. Only scanners - but with improved rotation speed. This setting is also recommended when scanning high resolution scans on a slow host computer. Supports both scanners and cameras.

23 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 3: Install FlexColor Software Male your selection (it is recommended to select at least Medium (=100 MB)) and click OK. The configuration will not be effective before quitting and relaunching the application. If you need to change the configuration you can access the dialog by pressing the Memory Usage button in the Preferences window. The memory configuration affects the settings that are accessible via the Finder Get Info window, and you are free to fine tune the settings there if you need to. 6. Quit FlexColor. NOTE! If you decide to go back to an older version of Flextight scanner software after running the new version of FlexColor, then you must open the Preferences folder inside your Systems Folder and delete the old FlexColor Preferences file. You also may be unable to use the setup files you created using the new version of FlexColor. Installing FlexColor on a Windows Computer 1. Insert the FlexColor CD into your CD-ROM drive. 2. Use the Windows File Explorer to navigate to the CD and double-click on the program called "Setup." 3. Follow the directions given on the screen while the install program runs. Be sure to check the Read Me file and follow any extra instructions included there. Important Notes for using Flextight 4800 with a Macintosh This section applies only to people using the original Flextight 4800 scanner under Mac OS. Skip this section unless you are using a Flextight See the next section if you are using a 4800 with Windows. The Flextight 4800 requires a file named imacon.ini. This file must be saved in a folder named "Flextight 4800," which must be in the preferences folder inside your system folder. This file must be installed on the machine from which you will be controlling the scanner. Be sure that this file is still installed when you have finished installing FlexColor. If it is missing, then copy it from your original Calibration disk. If you do not have this file installed correctly, then your scans will not come out right.

24 Quick-Start Tutorial 22 Step 3: Install FlexColor Software If you are installing FlexColor for use with a Flextight 4800 scanner on a machine on which you have not used the scanner before, then you must install Flextight 4800 support. To do this, you must manually add Flextight 4800 support when you run the FlexColor installer. The installer shows a list of install options - mark Full Install, command-click on Flextight 4800 Support and then click on Install. Alternatively, you can run the installer twice, installing each option one at a time. Important Notes for using Flextight 4800 with Windows This section applies only to people using the original Flextight 4800 scanner under Microsoft Windows. Skip this section unless you are using a Flextight See the previous section if you are using a Flextight 4800 with Mac OS. Flextight 4800 scanners require an extra file called imacon.ini. It must be stored in the same folder that contains the FlexColor.exe application. This file was included as part of the original software that came with your scanner. If necessary, you must first install the software that came with your scanner, then install FlexColor. Finally, you must copy the imacon.ini file from its original location into the folder that contains the FlexColor.exe application. Note also that if you have been using a different type of Flextight scanner on a machine on which you now plan to use Flextight 4800, then you must erase the Pref.prt file from the FlexColor application folder before using the 4800.

25 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 4: Mount Your Original 23 Step 4: Mount Your Original Your scanner is now ready to use. First you must select an image and prepare it for scanning. We recommend that you begin by using a transparent original. If your Flextight model is able to scan opaque originals, and you would like to use one for the tutorial, then please see your Flextight scanner user's guide for mounting instructions. 1. The scanner comes with several original holders. Select the best holder for your original. Choose one of the holders that has a square hole in it. The original must completely fill the hole with no edges showing. Also, no edges of the original must extend past the outer edges of the holder. 2. Place the original holder with the slotted tab facing into the scanner. The flexible magnetic layer must face upwards. Guides are supplied on either side of the light table. 3. Slide the holder gently into the slot at the top of the light table. It will slip about ½ cm (1/4 inch) into a slot at the top of the light table. Do not press too hard. It slips in very easily and is held in place by a magnet. To remove the holder, simply slide it back out. 4. Lift the top layer of the original holder and position your original. The original must completely fill the hole with no edges showing and with a minimum overlap of 2 mm along each edge. Use the light table to help line up the image. If you are using Flextight Photo, then place the emulsion side up. If you are using Flextight Precision or Progression, place the emulsion side down. (See your scanner's manual for more information about loading various types of originals.) 5. Lay the top layer of the holder down flat over the original. The top layer is magnetic, which will hold the original fast.

26 Quick-Start Tutorial 24 Step 5: Take a Preview Step 5: Take a Preview Now you are ready to start the FlexColor scanning software, make settings and take a preview. A preview is a fast, low resolution scan of your original. It lets you select an area to scan and to preview other settings that will be applied during the final scan. FlexColor delivers "what you see is what you get" scanning, thus making it one of the easiest software products to use for creating professional high-quality prints. An important feature that enables FlexColor to deliver this functionality is its use of a 14-bit preview image. Because your monitor can only show 8-bit colors, FlexColor calculates a new 8-bit image from the 14-bit information each time you apply a highlight, shadow, gradation, or color setting. This creates a very accurate preview image, but requires approximately one second (depending on your computer) for calculation each time you make a new setting. 1. On your computer, start the FlexColor program by double clicking on the FlexColor icon. The program starts-up and the main FlexColor window appears. 2. Use the Setup pop-up menu to choose a setup that is appropriate for your original. Each setup is named for the type of original it is meant to scan and most names also specify either CMYK or RGB output. There are also many negative setups, each of which is named for the type of film it is designed to scan. As you work with FlexColor, you will be able to save your own favorite setups and select them from this list.

27 3. Use the Frame pop-up menu to choose the size of your original. (Later, when you take a preview, the scanner will automatically zoom and focus to take the best possible scan for your format.) 4. Click on the Preview button in the main FlexColor window. It is important that the scanner remains completely stationary for the duration of the scan. Depending on your Flextight model and the settings you have chosen, the scanner may take a few seconds to prepare itself for the scan. 5. In about ten seconds, the preview appears on your screen. Inspect the preview. Experiment with buttons in the Zoom area of the main FlexColor window. They enable you to look more closely at the image. Open the Magnifier window Zoom percentage Return to full view Zoom in on preview Zoom out from preview 25 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 5: Take a Preview

28 Quick-Start Tutorial 26 Step 5: Take a Preview 6. Note that values appear in the Color area to the left of the preview. The number fields in this area indicate the pixel brightness at the selected position in the image. Note the following: The values indicate values after gradation and tonal range settings. When showing CMYK, the values indicate ink percentage values (0-100) with white = 0, 0, 0, 0. When showing RGB, the values indicate pixel brightness values (0-255) with white = 255, 255, 255.

29 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 6: Crop and Size Your Scan 27 Step 6: Crop and Size Your Scan It is important that you set the scanner to create an image that is the right size (height, width, and DPI) for your final print. If the scan is too small, then your print will be fuzzy or jagged. If your scans are too large, then you will waste disk space and spend too much time scanning, editing, and storing images that contain information that you do not need. 1. Select the area of the original that you want to scan (in other words, crop the image). To do this, place the mouse cursor over the preview image. Click and hold over one corner of the area you wish to scan and drag the cursor away to outline the scan area. Release the mouse button to select the area. To move the crop area, place the mouse cursor inside the outline, then click and drag the area. Release the button to drop the area again. To resize the crop area, place the mouse cursor over one of the sides or corners. The cursor will change into a double sided arrow. Click and drag the side or corner to enlarge or reduce the area. Release the button to drop the corner. If the lock icon is closed, then the proportions of height to width of your crop area will be kept constant if you resize the crop, as will the values in the Width and Height fields. The Zoom value, however will change as needed. Click on the lock icon to open or close the lock. 2. Check the output dimensions shown in the Width and Height fields. The numbers show the final output width and height in cm. If you want to adjust one of the dimensions, click on the number you want to change and edit the value with your keyboard. If the lock icon is closed, then you can drag the size of the crop area without affecting the output dimensions (as described above). This way, you can be sure your output image has the right size for your layout, but you can freely choose the composition.

30 Quick-Start Tutorial 28 Step 6: Crop and Size Your Scan Click on the lock icon to toggle it open or closed. You can set the zoom level by clicking in the Zoom field and editing the value with your keyboard. The new output size will be updated in the Width and Height fields, but the crop area will not change. 3. Check the final image size. It is shown in the Size field, which is updated each time you change the crop dimensions or zoom values. The file size will also depend on the output resolution set in the DPI pop-up menu. When you work with the scanner, you will typically know the target output dimensions and resolution. If so, first enter the dimensions in the Height and Width fields and choose the output resolution from the DPI pop-up menu. Then click on the lock icon so that it is closed (this will lock your height and width settings). You are now able to click and drag the crop area to define the composition of your scan - the Zoom value automatically tracks your changes without changing the height, width, or DPI of your output image. A common point of confusion when working with digital images is the difference between input DPI and output DPI (dots per inch). Input DPI is the number of samples taken from your original per linear inch. Output DPI is the number of pixels per inch in the printed image. In FlexColor, the input DPI is equal to the setting in the DPI pop-up menu multiplied by the Zoom value. Note, however, that the scanner has only a limited number of true optical resolutions in which all pixels in the output image are directly sampled from the input. If you enter a combination of Zoom and DPI values that result in an input DPI that is not one of Flextight's true resolutions, then the scanner will take the next higher resolution scan (if possible) and then interpolate the data so that the output image is the correct size. For any given Zoom setting, the DPI pop-up menu shows underlines below the DPI settings that scan at true optical resolution. For more information about true optical resolution, see your Flextight scanner user's guide.

31 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 7: Set the Tonal Range 29 Step 7: Set the Tonal Range FlexColor features an automatic correction button, which makes it easy to optimize the tonal range in your scans. Your highlights will be bright and your shadows dark, but details will be visible in both bright and dark areas. To use this feature, click on the Auto button. The software will analyze the image inside of your crop area and decide the best settings for highlight and shadow points. The preview image will be updated to show the effect. The auto function uses only the part of the image that is inside the crop area you defined in the last section. You must always define a crop area before using the Auto button. The highlight point is set to the brightest point in the crop area. This point will print white - all points brighter than the highlight point (if there are any) will become white. All areas above the shadow point will be brightened proportionately to make a lighter, better exposed picture. The shadow point is set to darkest point in the scan. This point will print black - all areas that are darker than the shadow point (if there are any) will become black. This will darken the shadows proportionately to add contrast and preserve the "depth" of your image. As an option, the auto function may also correct for color cast in your image. If the remove cast feature is enabled, then highlight and shadow points will be assigned individually for each color channel. The option is set on the Auto tab of the Setup window. Please see the FlexColor Software Reference for more information about this and other settings available in the Setup window.

32 Quick-Start Tutorial 30 Step 7: Set the Tonal Range Inspect the resulting image by moving the mouse cursor over the preview and reading the values shown in the Color area. Note that the values are as they will appear in the final image after applying highlight and shadow settings. When the highlight and shadow are set appropriately, your final scan can make use of the full available range of tones for optimal contrast and quality. The Auto button will do a satisfactory job of this. However, a distinctive quality of a skilled scanner operator is his or her ability to set highlight and shadow points correctly. Advanced manual settings are available with the FlexColor application. When you have finished working through the quick-start steps, please see the FlexColor Software Reference for more information about the Histogram window. Note also that you can modify the behavior of the automatic tonal range button by editing the settings in the Setup window. If you wish to modify the print values for highlight and shadow from their default settings of 255 and 0, respectively, then make settings on the Dot tab of the Setup window. See the FlexColor Software Reference for more information about these settings.

33 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 8: Finish Your Image 31 Step 8: Finish Your Image 1. If you would like to have your final image automatically open in an image editing program (for example, Adobe Photoshop) for inspection after the final scan is finished, then select Preferences from the File menu. The Preferences window appears. (If you do not want to use this feature, then skip to step 3.) 2. Click on the Open in checkbox in the Saved Image area and then click on the Select button. A standard file finder window will appear. Use it to locate your image editing program. Click on OK to apply your setting. 3. You are now ready to take the final scan. Click on the Scan button to take the scan you have set up. 4. A standard file save dialog appears. Use it to choose a folder and file name for your final scan. 5. A small window will appear which tracks the progress of your scan. When the scan is finished, your final image will be stored in the folder you selected. If you set the preferences in steps 1 and 2, then the selected image editing program will start-up and display your final scan.

34 Quick-Start Tutorial 32 Step 9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print Step 9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print In this section, we will configure FlexColor to work with ICC color profiles. Under Mac OS, ICC profiles are controlled by Apple's ColorSync technology. Under Windows 98 and Windows 2000, the technology is referred to as "ICM" (which stands for "Image Color Management"). FlexColor uses ICC profiles when it creates output in CMYK. It is easy to use and produces extremely accurate, high-quality results. Flextight scanners and most monitors and output devices include ICC profiles, which will help make sure the colors in your original are maintained and that colors you see on your screen will be accurately reproduced on paper. Use the following procedure to set up ICC profiles with FlexColor: 1. If you have not done so, calibrate your monitor to set up an ICC profile for you system as described in "Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor" on page Select CMYK Standard from the Setup drop down list. This will load a setup that is preconfigured to make a CMYK scan, but will not apply any histogram or gradation settings. 3. In FlexColor, select Setup from the File menu. 4. If you are working on a Macintosh, click on the ColorSync tab. If you are working under Windows, click on the ICM tab. This window lets you choose ICC profiles for your scanner and output device.

35 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print Select the input profile for your model of Imacon scanner from the Input pop-up menu. 6. Select your output device from the CMYK pop-up menu. This should be the same CMYK profile that you chose for Photoshop in "Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12. If you do not have Photoshop and your output device is not shown, then select Flextight 330% Skel. K. 75/30% - this generic profile will give good results in the majority of cases.

36 Quick-Start Tutorial 34 Step 9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print 7. Use the RGB pop-up menu to select the Photoshop working space RGB profile that you created and saved in "Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12. Although we will be creating a CMYK file in this procedure, it is a good idea to set this here because if you use this setup to scan to RGB sometime in the future, then the file created will be saved using the Photoshop working color space. Therefore, Photoshop will not need to convert the colors when you open the file. 8. Mark the Convert checkbox if it is not already marked. The Convert setting activates the ICC profile feature of FlexColor, thereby allowing the program to convert to the specified CMYK or RGB space. 9. Make sure that the Embed Profile checkbox is not checked. As explained in "Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12, you will save some disk space (and possibly prevent errors) by not embedding CMYK profiles. Note, however, that when you scan to RGB, you should work with the Embed Profile checkbox checked. By saving the profile with your RGB files, your scans can be both shown correctly in other programs (such as Photoshop) and accurately converted to CMYK later either by you or by your service bureau. If the Convert checkbox is also checked, then you will embed the output profile selected in the RGB pop-up menu. If the Convert checkbox is not checked, then the Input profile will be embedded. 10. Click on New to save your settings. Give your new setup a name like "My CMYK". 11. Click on OK. 12. In the main FlexColor window, select CMYK from the Mode pop-up menu (this was probably already done for you by the setup). 13. Select a colorful transparency - preferably a well-exposed shot that includes a color test card. 14. Load the transparency into your scanner. 15. Set the format of your original and click on Preview. Wait for the preview scan to appear on your screen. 16. Set the Width, Height and Zoom fields so that the scan will take up most of an A4 or letter-size paper (30-35 MB). 17. Use the DPI pop-up menu to set the output resolution to 300 dpi.

37 Quick-Start Tutorial Step 9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print Click on the Reset button to remove all gradation, histogram, and color correction settings. 19. Select a crop area that includes the entire image, but cuts off the black frame that surrounds the image. 20. Click on Auto to set highlight and shadow points. Do not make any other settings in the Gradation, Histogram, orcolor Correction windows. 21. Send the final scan file to your service bureau to make a test print such as a Chromalin or AgfaProof. Save a copy of the file. Be sure to remind your service bureau not to alter the image in any way (i.e., do not open and save it using any program). 22. When your proof print comes back, open the original scan again in Photoshop. Compare the image on your screen with the printed image. They should be very similar. If they are not, first make sure that your judgement is not being affected by the ambient light in your office by using a light box to view the print. If the images are still too dissimilar, try to repeat the procedure given in "Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12 while comparing your print to the image in Photoshop as you make each setting (also be sure to specify the light temperature of your light box when calibrating the monitor with the Adobe control panel). 23. Be sure to check the ColorSync/ICM setup in FlexColor each time you create a new setup. The process of preparing RGB scans for print in CMYK colors has become an art form that takes years to master. Every high-end scanner operator and printer has his or her own system for judging how the inks should balance to create attractive and accurate colors in the final print. Keep in mind that when you approach your printer or service bureau with your own pre-separated scans, they will most likely be suspicious and may question the results even after checking the files. We encourage you to follow through with a test print using the standard ICC profile results. Then meet with your printer and discuss the results. If you decide that you need to improve the accuracy of your CMYK output profile, send your printer a copy of the "Fax to Printer" form included with Flextight. It makes it easy for your printer to tell you how to improve your results. The Macintosh version of FlexColor includes a powerful ICC profile editor which you can use to implement your printers suggestions. See the FlexColor Software Reference for more information.

38 36 Quick-Start Tutorial

39 Troubleshooting 37

40 Troubleshooting 38 Frequently Asked Questions Troubleshooting If you are having trouble with your Flextight scanner or FlexColor software, then read through this part to find advice that will help you solve your problems. This part includes: Answers to frequently asked questions A discussion of some common problems and how to solve them Advice for increasing the performance of your system

41 Troubleshooting Imaging Problems 39 Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the difference between input and output resolution? A: Input DPI is the number of samples taken from your original per linear inch. Output DPI is the number of pixels per inch in the printed image. In FlexColor, the input DPI is equal to the setting in the DPI pop-up menu multiplied by the Zoom value. Note, however, that the scanner has only a limited number of true optical resolutions in which all pixels in the output image are directly sampled from the input. If you enter a combination of Zoom and DPI values that result in an input DPI that is not one of Flextight's true resolutions, then the scanner will take the next higher resolution scan (if possible) and then interpolate the data so that the output image is the correct size. See your Flextight scanner user's guide for specific information about the optical resolution of your scanner. Q: Why do low-contrast patterns sometimes come out looking strange in my final scan? A: As mentioned in the previous question, FlexColor interpolates your image whenever you enter a combination of Zoom and DPI values that result in an input DPI that is not one of your scanner's true resolutions. With some images, especially those containing a low-contrast repeating pattern, this can result in degradation of the image. To avoid this problem, always use one of the true optical resolution settings. Note that for any given Zoom setting, the DPI pop-up menu shows underlines below the DPI settings that scan at true optical resolution. For more information about true optical resolution, see your Flextight scanner user's guide. Q: How can I bring out details in the dark areas of my images? A: There are three methods for this. First, make sure that the Enhanced shadow detail checkbox is marked on the General tab of the Setup window. If this is not enough, try the Shadow depth slider in the Gradations window. If neither of these techniques produce the results you are looking for, you can work with the curve in the Gradations window. Set the curve so that there is a steep slope in the dark areas and then pull it down so it is nearly flat in the other areas. Use two points to define the curve, as shown below.

42 Troubleshooting 40 Imaging Problems For more information about the Gradations curve, see the FlexColor Software Reference. Q: Why is the CMYK mode gray (disabled)? A: Before you can scan in CMYK mode, you must select input and output ICC profiles in the ColorSync (Mac OS) or ICM (Windows) tab of the Setup window. See the FlexColor Software Reference for more information. Note that support for ICC profiles is not possible under Windows 95, NT 4.0, or older. Therefore, Windows 98 or Windows 2000 or later are required to scan directly to CMYK or use color management under Windows. Q: Why do I get vertical lines in my reflective originals? A: You may need to take a new white calibration or clean the calibration rail. White calibration is only required for reflective scans. During calibration, the scanner scans a white target to establish the white point along the full length of the scanner's CCD. The results of the white calibration scan are saved on your computer's hard disk. See the FlexColor Software Reference for more information about taking a white calibration. Imaging Problems Focus or Sizing You must load transparencies with the emulsion side in its correct position for your scanner (down for Flextight Precision and Progression, up for Flextight Photo). If you place them with the emulsion in the wrong direction, then the image will be slightly displaced from the lens (by the thickness of the film), which is enough to effect the focus slightly.

43 Troubleshooting Color Problems 41 Flextight Precision and Progression make use of an internal zoom mechanism for optimizing scans of different formats. If your scans are consistently coming out unfocused or at slightly the wrong size, then you may need to recalibrate the zoom mechanism. See your Flextight scanner user's guide for instructions. Striping on Reflective Originals If vertical stripes appear in your reflective scans, then you may need to take a new white calibration. White calibration is only required for reflective scans. During calibration, the scanner scans a white target to establish the white point along the full length of the scanner's CCD. The results of the white calibration scan are saved on your computer's hard disk. See your Flextight scanner user's guide for more information about taking a white calibration. All-Black or All-White Images If images are all black or all white, first make sure you are using the correct settings for your original holder. Open the Setup window by selecting Setup from the File menu. Look at the Film Type setting on the General tab sheet. Make sure the setting matches your original. If the Film Type setting is correct, then your light tubes (or tubes) may be burned out. See also "Pixelated or Missing Images," below. See your Flextight scanner user's guide for instructions about how to replacing the light tubes. Pixelated or Missing Images This problem affects only Flextight Precision II and Photo scanners, which include a reflective sleeve around their light tubes to concentrate the light on your originals. If your transparency scans are missing or simply look like a random set of pixels, then your transparency light tube may have come out of alignment. See your Flextight scanner user's guide for instructions about how to adjust the transmission light tube for your scanner.