22 Elements of Card Design
Print Graphics in Color
The printer produces full-color images from most types of graphics. It can use BMP, JPEG, TIFF,
and PNG file formats for photos and logos.
Vector graphics, such as WMF and SVG files, have components such as shapes with lines and fills.
Components defined as black normally print with the K panel.
Because the printer uses the print ribbon panels in sequence (YMC first, then K), black images can
print over color graphics. For the best appearance of color graphics, or to prevent backgrounds
that are black from printing over colored images, use a color that appears black but is not, so that
all parts of an image print with the YMC panels. For example, in the RGB color space, 0,0, 0 is
black (and prints with the K panel), but 0, 0, 5 is not black (and prints with the YMC panels).
Types of Color Images
Cards can include both color photos and color logos. The logo is usually the same on each card,
and the photo is unique. Follow these guidelines to obtain the best results for printing both logos
and photos.
1. Evaluate the color quality of the photos:
a. Adjust the image capture system to get the best quality photos; work with distance,
lighting, and camera settings to obtain consistent, high-quality photos.
b. Evaluate the quality of printed photos after the image capture system is optimized.
2. Evaluate the other color areas of the card, such as text or logo:
a. Check your card production application for settings that can help improve the printed
color of text.
b. Use an image editing application to adjust the color of a logo file for optimal printing.
Monochrome Printing
Monochrome printing prints cards using a single color. You can use a full-color ribbon or a
monochrome ribbon that has only one color.
Monochrome Printing with Full-Color Ribbon
Full-color print ribbon includes a black panel. The black
panel transfers to the card differently than the YMC
panels. Text and bar codes are usually printed with the
black panel. Full-color print ribbon also prints any
monochrome or one-bit-per-pixel graphics using the K
panel.
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General
Weight and Dimensions
