ScreenSeparations FAQ
Everything you need to know about OptiPercept CIEDE2000™ color separation, film positive production, and credit packs.
How do ScreenSeparations credits work and when are they deducted?
Loading customer artwork, simulating color channels on dark/light garment substrates, adjusting CIEDE2000 Delta-E clustering thresholds, and previewing on-screen simulated separations in your browser is 100% free and unlimited. Credits are only deducted when you perform a final production export (e.g. downloading the high-res layered separation TIFF or screened halftone film positive PDFs). Credit consumption varies depending on separation parameters and complexity.
Why is CIEDE2000 superior to standard RGB or CMYK separations?
The human eye perceives color shifts non-linearly, especially in delicate flesh tones, soft sky gradients, and deep earth tones. Standard Adobe channel splitting produces muddy midtones and harsh color jumps on press. OptiPercept CIEDE2000 calculates color difference according to international CIE standards, matching biological human perception to extract clean, vibrant spot colors with smoother press transitions and minimal ink buildup.
Does the tool generate halftone screens with correct angles?
Yes. You can output both continuous-tone grayscale separation channels (for your existing RIP) and pre-screened halftone film positives (45 to 65 LPI, elliptical dot geometry, with industry-standard moiré-prevention angle offsets).
Can I use ScreenSeparations credits for UV Studio or DTF Studio?
No. Subscriptions and credits are dedicated to ScreenSeparations.com tools. To use Printasy UV Studio or DTF Studio, a separate subscription is required.
Are my clients proprietary art files kept private?
Yes. Image processing and color delta math run client-side in your browser using high-performance WebAssembly. High-resolution graphics never leave your computer.
Can I export film positives directly to my Epson inkjet film printer?
Yes. The engine exports high-density 100% black multi-page PDFs or 1-bit TIFFs with embedded screening. When printed using standard film positive software like FilmMaker, AccuRIP, or Wasatch, you achieve the required optical UV density (DMax > 3.0) to burn sharp, emulsion-safe stencils.
How does the tool determine which spot ink colors to use?
OptiPercept CIEDE2000 analyzes the color frequency spectrum of your artwork and clusters pixels into the most efficient optical ink palette (e.g. Lemon Yellow, Scarlet Red, Royal Blue, Forest Green). You can lock specific Pantone spot colors or let the algorithm choose the palette automatically based on your press carousel capacity.
Does the software support Simulated Process on dark shirts?
Yes. The engine automatically creates a choked white underbase plate specifically calculated to block dark textile bleed while preserving fine halftones in gradient areas. A separate highlight white plate is generated for pure white elements and intense specular reflections.
What screen angles are used to avoid moiré patterns?
We utilize standard textile offset screen angles (typically 22.5° or 67.5° offsets) specifically calibrated for high-tension polyester mesh counts (90T to 140T) and elliptical halftone dot geometry.
Need advice on mesh count, emulsion, or press setup?
Our color separation specialists and Dimix prepress technical team are available to help calibrate your exposure unit and press sequencing.