As high-resolution digital cameras continue to penetrate the mainstream market, the demand for photo reproduction from digital files continues to grow. As an alternative to film development, large-format digital printing is the most logical means of outputting prints from digital files. The application of photo reproduction spans enlargement of high-end photography such as portraits as well as uploading digital photos into designs for point-of-purchase displays, back-lit signs, and special event graphics. This market is all about perfection - perfect imagery, perfect printing. Success in this application includes making use of one of the software RIPs compatible with the Canon machine. The features provided to the printer by Canon’s Alliance Partners are invaluable for this market.

Proofing is an important part of the creative design and commercial printing process. Proofs are produced at various points in the process to evaluate a new design and its readiness to go into final print production. Proofing is provides an opportunity for designers, printers and their clients to collaborate on concepts and to identify and correct errors, thereby potentially avoiding what can be a considerable expense in re-printing materials a second time.
A Canon imagePROGRAF combined with one of its compatible software RIPs, create true efficiency and accuracy in the prepress-proofing market. While most color capable inkjet printers can now produce a reasonably good rendition of just about any design, it is very important to note that Canon is one of the few manufacturers of wide format printers with technology advanced enough to produce truly reliable proofs that meet or exceed professional design requirements. Full size layouts and proofs of POP displays, trade show booths, corporate identity materials, multi-panel fold out brochures and presentation folders, can be output for review.

Blueprints are oversized drawings created by engineers and architects to lay out the plans for construction projects. Software packages like AutoCAD (Computer Aided Design) are used to create the sketches covering all details of a project and Canon imagePROGRAF printers are used to create printouts for on-site use and project management. The accuracy and clarity of the prints are critical, as site workers and managers must be able to correctly interpret measurements and relationships of key elements from the printed plans. Combined with an imagePROGRAF printer, these software applications will greatly enhance CAD/GIS capabilities.

Point-of-purchase displays, posters, and flexible signs are a broad category of applications with the primary purpose of providing effective and eye-catching visual communication. The types of signs that are produced include all large-format prints that are used to promote products in a retail store, at the point of sale. Point-of-purchase displays are an essential element of any retailer’s sales strategy. In addition to Point-of purchase prints, signage applications are limitless including displays for trade shows, posters and advertising messages at any location, maps etc. The Canon imagePROGRAF printer in operation with a software RIP to produce a sign ensures prime quality in processing speed and color quality.

In addition to producing high-quality prints, the imagePROGRAF printers can be used as a scanning and/or copying device when equipped with specific 3rd party solutions. As a print job is submitted to the imagePROGRAF, it can simultaneously be scanned and sent to an email for distribution or to a file server for archival purposes. Additionally, these solutions provide the ability to scan in existing prints of any size converting them to an electronic file for editing and distribution. There are a number of scenarios where a company would benefit from the ability to provide an electronic copy of a print, or to have the ability to scan in an existing print such as in the Architectural or Engineering industries.

The following software companies tested Canon's imagePROGRAF printers for compatibility with their solutions*. They have been given access to the Canon USA Alliance Program for imagePROGRAF printers, and by that are recognized as a leading RIP solution for the imagePROGRAF line of printers. Although Canon USA's imagePROGRAF products are compatible with a large number of RIP solutions, only a select few are members of the Alliance Program. Select the company to learn more about the RIP solution, and read below for additional details on the solution categories.

* Disclaimer: The partners listed in the table have officially conducted compatibility testing with Canon imagePROGRAF printers and are members of Canon's Alliance Marketing Program. Other 3rd party software RIP companies are currently in the process of conducting testing and joining our program as well, so be sure to check back with us soon for updates to members of our Program.