cdr file export

I am a digital artist working in Corel 12. I want to print some of my large cdr art files to a wide format printer.

My art is created in cdr file type (CorelDRAW 12), but must be exported to either tiff, jpg, or png file formats depending on which output company source I use. My art output size ranges from 24 X 36 inches to as large as 48 X 96 inches. What is the best way/and what file type will give the best result with a manageable file size.

What dpi settings should I use and what other settings should I select. Any other info is appreciated....going from vector to raster is not what I want to do. I understand there is no such thing as a wide format vector image printer. Why must the vector file go through a RIP to convert to raster? All help is greatly appreciated!

Perr M

  • Perr Mittelstaedt said:
    I am a digital artist working in Corel 12. I want to print some of my large cdr art files to a wide format printer.

    cool...

    Perr Mittelstaedt said:
    My art is created in cdr file type (CorelDRAW 12), but must be exported to either tiff, jpg, or png file formats depending on which output company source I use.

    That seems odd. I freelance at such a place and I'd never prefer a bitmap over vector shapes.

    Perr Mittelstaedt said:
    My art output size ranges from 24 X 36 inches to as large as 48 X 96 inches. What is the best way/and what file type will give the best result with a manageable file size.

    A PDF should be good, that preserves vector shapes when possible. I use EPS as intermediate format between draw and the rip. The data is Postscript code either way. EPS files ZIP nicely.

    Perr Mittelstaedt said:
    going from vector to raster is not what I want to do.

    Then don't compromise. Kindly ask - or insist - the companies learn more about digital graphics and the difference between bitmaps and vectors. That is, if they want your money as a customer who DOES understand - and who appreciates - the difference.

    Seriously, you may very well know more than the people at the shop do. Sometimes, a kid working at MacDonalds convinces himself he's a "chef". I see it all the time, people with 50K in equipment who don't understand how it works.

    Perr Mittelstaedt said:
    I understand there is no such thing as a wide format vector image printer.

    Yes, they ALL are. Here's what happens. Whether you feed an output device bitmaps or vector shapes, all graphics are converted to "dots" at the the output DPI set on the device. Even on a simple monochrome laser printer!

    So, a solid black vector circle 6 inches wide will output at the resolution set in a print driver or in the RIP of an output device.

    The RIP (or driver) studies your circle and converts to 600 DPI... 720 DPI... 1440 DPI... 2550 DPI.... this all depends on the capabilities of each device.

    Halftoning is a different issue, we won't get into that now. But basically there is AM and FM methods... both very different from each other.

    Perr Mittelstaedt said:
    Why must the vector file go through a RIP to convert to raster?

    All print devices work this way. Everything

    for example, I have a HP laser printer beside me, I know by default it outputs at 600 DPI.

    So I make some text in CorelDRAW and an 8 point font WILL output like below, (always anti-aliased.)

    If I chose to output vector font with my print driver set to 300 DPI, you'd see the 300 DPI example

    So, think of a grid.

    All vector shapes are converted to that grid at output time. The integrity of your art depends on the resolution of the grid. That varies between devices.

    • First, Thanks for all the input! I prefer vector for its mathematical precision. If you saw my art you would understand (some can be seen at www.BoundlessGallery.com, look up Perr Mittelstaedt). It's full impact can only be appreciated at full size, so seeing online is just not as impressive, but my only selling tool at present.

      I see no way to export as a PDF from CorelDraw 12, what settings should I use in EPS export mode fro best results?

      The main source I want to use is VERY knowledgeable and they want EPS or minimal compression (I set to "0") jpg. No one will accept cdr files period. They all say cdr files often produce problematic and hard to repeat outputs. I sell originals, signed /numbered limited editions, and some open stock smaller unsigned prints. The original is the only piece output to full size, SLTD's being smaller, and unsigned smaller still. The firm I was recommended to for output was Fine Art Impressions, they do mostly VERY high end painted artwork scanning/reproduction....also, as I have talked with many different output houses I get the distinct impression that digital artists are the "bastards" of the art world, as we have no real originals as such, only COA's and signatures/marks to try any give our art supportable value. Digital skills and artistic ability are not yet greatly appreciated by most of the Fine Art world. Maybe I have not found the right "digital" crowd yet ;) Any help in this area is also greatly appreciated.

      Yet I know sign makers that run CorelDraw and send cdr directly to their RIP with excellent wide format results (They use a Roland, not sure of model number), or is there some internal process they (I) don't know about that converts from cdr to something else within the RIP before final output?

      Does your firm output Giclee prints? If so, what file requirement do you have? I am not tied to any source for output at this time. It has been very difficult as you point out to find people with REAL knowledge in this arena.

       

      Excellent example, thanks. So, if for example I am outputting artwork that is 36" X 44", what resolution should I output? It sounds like it will depend on the output device it it going to and the RIP it is run through. Sorry if I sound redundant. I am just looking for the highest quality repeatable output. Any good books or courses you could recommend specifically dealing with wide format outputting? Thanks again for taking the time to help me.

      Cheers,

      Perr

       

       

      • Perr Mittelstaedt said:
        I see no way to export as a PDF from CorelDraw 12

        File | publish to PDF

        Perr Mittelstaedt said:
        The main source I want to use is VERY knowledgeable and they want EPS

        OK, just make sure to put EPS into ZIP file

        Perr Mittelstaedt said:
        minimal compression (I set to "0") jpg

        No JPG please, use 24 bit PNG or TIFF with LZW or instead.

        Perr Mittelstaedt said:
        They all say cdr files often produce problematic and hard to repeat outputs.

        It's an easy excuse to make, if someone has no intention of learning or using CorelDRAW. It's like me saying... "I like Ford. Chev's? Pfft.. pile of junk." Sometimes CorelDRAW had problems in certain ways... 15 years ago.

        Perr Mittelstaedt said:
        I get the distinct impression that digital artists are the "bastards" of the art world, as we have no real originals as such.

        The best revenge is to live well. Don't let your self-esteem hinge on what others think.

        Perr Mittelstaedt said:
        Digital skills and artistic ability are not yet greatly appreciated by most of the Fine Art world.

        Customers with money are your friends, not traditional fine artists or elitists. I highly doubt another artist will support you by buying your art. You're an enemy... intruder... competitor to them.

        Perr Mittelstaedt said:
        So, if for example I am outputting artwork that is 36" X 44", what resolution should I output? It sounds like it will depend on the output device it it going to and the RIP it is run through.

        If your art is vector shapes only, the output resolution will be determined by the settings in the rip or print driver. Yes, that means your tiny 150 KB file will automatically output at 1440 DPI ( if device set for this)!

        IMO, insist on high quality mode on the output device. Many places might rush your job through in "standard mode", which is not as good. It prints faster, and uses less ink, saving the shop time and money. But quality is less.

        standard quality OK for a temporary billboard, but not for something hung inside executive boardroom for next 10 years.

        Perr Mittelstaedt said:
        Any good books or courses you could recommend specifically dealing with wide format outputting?

        better route is to make some test files and output them. Or just output real, potentially salable files and see how they look. maybe you'll get lucky first time! :-)

        • Hi Jeff,

          Thanks for ALL the info, I will use it! I'll let you know how it goes.

          Cheers,

          Perr

      • The first and best step is talk with your printing company; each company has diferents workflow and need different file format. If you can, don't use a bitmap format (TIF or JPG), try to export as EPS or Publish as PDF (using, for example PDF X/3). Vector files have high quality allways, no matter the size, and allways is a small file. If there's any option than a TIF or JPG, you can use 150 dpi for big size files. You don't need more for plotter and for this size. And, allways, remember to use the "Apply ICC profile" option active when expot your file for better color management.

        • Ariel,

          Thanks very much for the input. I will try the 150 dpi setting and see how much it diminishes the large file size. I always use the ICC profile. Will be exporting as an EPS file most likely. What are the best settings to use? Thanks!

          Cheers,

          Perr