By default, every piece of art is printed on our LightJet printer uses a sharpening algorithm that increases the pixel density and optimizes the scaling of the image. We suggest using sharpening for most high-definition printing applications but can also turn this feature off upon request. There are some rare cases in which sharpening an image with laser lithography can make the image look too processed for one’s taste.
What are the advantages & disadvantages of sharpening?
For the end product, using a sharpening algorithm in laser lithography is recommended, however, there are a few downsides to this technique that you should consider.
Advantages
- Best quality – Highest definition possible for laser lithography
- Less processing – Reduces computational processing time of image files
Disadvantages
- Only one resolution – Unable to nest images of different resolutions on the same page
- Only scales up – Light interpolation can’t be used to scale images down
- Requires more setup – Input resolution calculations of scaled data, finalizing vector image setup, and tuning the sharpness levels
Should you use sharpening for your print?
Generally yes, however, there are a few things that can impact this decision:
- Image Content – Images with different resolutions throughout can’t be printed using sharpening as the calculations apply across the image file so as you sharpen one resolution the others would get blurrier.
- File Image Resolution – The higher the image resolution the less necessary any additional sharpening would be. This is rarely an issue but you can always feel free to ask the Artisan HD team before printing.
- Printer Settings – When an image is sharpened before being printed using laser photography, algorithms are used by the printer and its software. These calculations are proprietary to each printer to work with their specific lasers and type of AgX photo paper so sharpening on one printer may differ from another.
- Personal Preference – Some people find that additional tuning in of the resolution is redundant or counterproductive depending on the printer’s software settings. This is purely subjective – so there’s no wrong answer.
It should also be noted that when printing in large quantities it’s common to use soft proofing (seeing a digital preview) or using test proofs to finalize the decision, check out this LightJet FAQ for more information.
