(v13) Screening



This page applies to Harlequin v13.1r0 and later; and to Harlequin Core but not Harlequin MultiRIP.

The Harlequin Core supports multiple methods of providing halftone screening, including:

  • PostScript spot functions

  • PostScript threshold screens

  • Spot functions as embedded in PDF files

  • An API to add your own screening engine. For more information see the API Reference Manual.

  • Tile-based screening that supports non-monotonic 1-bit screens (HalftoneType 116). For more information see the Extensions Manual.

  • Harlequin Precision Screening (HPS™), a proprietary mechanism to provide moiré-free screening for color reproduction when using spot functions

  • Harlequin Dispersed Screening (HDS), a family of stochastic (FM) screens

  • Harlequin Cross-modulated Screening (HXM), hybrid screens designed for high-quality offset and flexo printing

  • Advanced Inkjet Screens, Mirror and Pearl, designed to mitigate common artefacts seen when printing on high-speed inkjet presses

In addition, it includes extensions to those screening mechanisms, including:

  • Functionality to increase the number of gray levels achievable for a given resolution, screen frequency combination

  • Controls to manage the selection of screens when processing live PDF transparency

  • Methods for overriding various aspects of screens set by a job, such as the frequency and spot shape

  • Automatic selection of screens by object type (HalftoneType 195)

  • Rich support for multi-level screening (for example, for inkjet presses using grayscale heads)

Harlequin Core can also be integrated with Global Graphics Software's dedicated screening engine, ScreenPro™, which can apply screening at very high speed post-RIP; it can also incorporate PrintFlat™ to correct for non-uniformity in the print.