DCS 2.0 file

[tsdomenichelli]

Hi Print Planet,

Who can explain me what means and how to use the options that Adobe photoshop has when I save the file in DCS 2.0 ?

I want to understand the options "Multiple file with colour composite" and the others options and why to use one to another.

Best regards

 

[TLala]

Dcs 2.0

Dcs 2.0

The most important question is: Are You really want to make preseparated output? If the answer is yes, You found the right format.
The difference between Multiple file and Single file eps is: If You save as Multiple file, You will get 5 separate files (if You work with only CMYK colors): one with .eps and 4 others with .c, .m, .y and .k. (If You have made additional spot channels in Photoshop, You'll get more files with the .channelname).
If You save as Single file, You will get only 1 file with .eps and all of Your colors will be in this one file. But do not forget, this is a separated file inside.
In our old Agfa Apogee rip the Single file with Color Composite (72 pixel/inch) was the best solution (note: it was a separated workflow, not todays ultra/hyper/super modern composit stuff). If Your image is not an ultra resolution stuff, You can use JPEG/maximum quality without any problem, otherwise choose ascii or binary (depends on Your rip).
If You want to use Your DCS 2.0 file in a layout application, it is ok, but
a, in Quark the final output must be separated
b, InDesign can rebuild a composite image from DCS 2.0 if the files were created in Adobe Photoshop.
c, Did You know that still CorelDraw can import DCS 2.0 files?

Best Wishes

TLala

 

[Werby]

TLala covers all the bases, but the first question is the most important: Do you really want to make a preseparated file?

Or, to put it another way: Why are you making a DCS 2.0 file in the first place?

We always made them as a way to add additional spot channels in photoshop. It was the only way to have more than 4 channels in an image and then import it into a layout program like Quark or InDesign. Now we don't use Quark anymore and InDesign recognizes spot channels in native PSD files, so we don't make DCS 2.0 files. They have a pretty low quality preview (That's what the 72dpi Color Composite refers to) and they are very large compared to psd files. Are you sure you need a DCS 2.0?

-Werby

 

[Sticker Printing]

Good explanation of concept of DCS 2.0 file. Thanks for help.