Printing Images to Commercial Printing Machines (4)

Select print encoding method

By default, the printer driver transfers binary information to Postscript printers; however, you can also choose to transfer image data using JPEG or ASCII 85 encoding. These options are not available for non-Postscript printers (such as many inkjet models).

ASCII85 is a text encoding for binary data that is more concise than ASCII encoding.

JPEG encoded files are smaller than binary files and therefore require less printing time; however, using JPEG encoding will degrade image quality. Only Postscript Level 2 (or higher) printers support JPEG encoding; sending JPEG encoded files to Postscript Level 1 output devices can cause Postscript language errors.

Some print spoolers, computer networks, and third-party printer drivers do not support binary or JPEG encoded files, and some Postscript output devices only pass through their AppleTalk and Ethernet ports (instead of their parallel or serial ports) Accept binary and JPEG encoded image data. In these cases, you can choose the ASCII85 encoding method. However, compared to binary files, ASCII85 files contain approximately twice as many characters and require approximately twice the transfer time.

Change the encoding method:

Choose File > Print Preview.
Select "Show other options" and choose "Output" from the pop-up menu.
Select an option from the Encoding menu.