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Download and install the best free apps for Printer Software on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android from CNET Download.com, your trusted source for the top software picks. Mar 10, 2020 Best Printers for Mac iMore 2020. As much as our lives are immersed in digital documentation, there are still times when we need to print something, whether it's a document, an application, or a photo. Especially in busy office spaces, a quality printer is a must. When you need to revert to paper documentation, these are the all-around best. Oct 12, 2011 Quad Tone RIP supports the printer, but it may be a little down-market for you. ImageNest RIP supports all MacOS X-compatible printers which leads me to suspect that it does not add value to the standard drivers for installed printers. ColorBurst® has several RIPs, supports your printer, and supports several media, including, canvas, paper.
Get high-quality document copies fast with this Epson WorkForce all-in-one printer. It produces up to 15 ppm of black and white copy or 9 ppm of color copy, and it saves time and paper consumption with its automatic two-sided printing function.
Understand what a RIP is, what it does, and how it can add value to your printing workflow.Almost every print-maker out there has heard that RIP software will make printing easier and more efficient.
Will a RIP make your colors brighter and improve your image quality? Is it really necessary to run your printer with a RIP? Can’t you achieve the same results simply by using the included print driver?
This article will explain what a RIP is, what it does, what the benefits are, list some of the top RIP programs, and most of all, help you answer the question: “Do I need a RIP?”
So, Do I Need a RIP?
Still not sure if you need a RIP? Here are a few questions to help you determine if a RIP is right for you:
Do you…
- Have 2 or more printers?
- Create your own ICC profiles?
- Need to simplify your printing workflow?
- Have more then 1 operator running your printer(s)?
- Need to maximize your media usage and cut back on waste?
- Need to print many copies of the same image or multiple images?
- Need to reprint images you’ve run in the past, but need the color to match?
- Need to increase your print productivity?
If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, it may be time to consider a RIP.
What is a RIP?
RIP stands for Raster Image Processor.
A RIP program is similar to the print driver included with your printer, but with much more control (and features).
A RIP is designed to handle many files, file types, and file sizes without limiting your print capabilities. A RIP efficiently processes your files faster and more consistently, resulting in faster print times and less waiting.
Have you ever tried to run a large image where the file size was more than 300MB?
Through the standard print driver, this can be cumbersome and time consuming. With a dedicated program designed to process large files, this task becomes much easier and allows you to work on other projects while your image is processing.
You will also have the capability of processing and printing multiple files simultaneously.
A RIP also will store all of your processed data (the files that you’ve printed), making reprints a breeze.
Most RIP programs include ICC profiling capabilities, so no additional software is needed to create your own custom ICC profiles (you’ll still need a spectrophotometer like the i1Basic Pro 2 by X-Rite).
Workflow
As mentioned above, a RIP will allow you to process and print multiple files at the same time. Having this capability will greatly improve printing production and efficiency.
Imagine printing a job, processing another job, and preparing more jobs to come later; all at the same time.
A RIP will give you complete control over handling your files including: scaling, rotating, color correction, color profiling to a wide array of media types, multiple copies, nesting, and much more.
Most RIPs will process your entire file and then send it to the printer, meaning you’ll have consistent output with no lagging.
![Mac Mac](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB18ijfaDJ_SKJjSZPiq6z3LpXab/best-price-wide-format-printer-sapre-parts-maintop-rip-software-5-3-version-for-inkjet-printer.jpg)
This is because the RIP will only start to buffer data when all of the data is processed, rather then processing/buffering/printing at the same time (as print drivers typically do).
With larger files, processing them entirely before sending them to the printer will keep them running at the fastest speed possible (this is determined by the media profile/print mode/speed you have selected in the RIP).
Having these options will “open up” your printer’s capabilities and give you complete control over how things will print.
Nesting/Layout
Have you ever wanted to maximize the use of your media? Want to cut back on waste? Want to print multiple files at the same time? A RIP makes all of this possible with its nesting features.
Nesting allows you to combine many different files onto one print job.
This works just like making your canvas size larger in Photoshop’s “Canvas Size” and adding files by copying them to 1 file (to see this process, take a look at the #4 tip in our monthly Tech Tips – July article).
In other words: Let’s say you have a 36″ roll and you have 3 files to print, each sized at 8″x10″.
With a RIP, you can rotate each image so 10″ is the width (left to right when facing the printer), and lay these 3 files next to each other, enabling you to print all 3 images while only using about 8″ of media.
The RIP will allow you to drag files to a specific location so you can arrange you images to best fit onto the roll you are printing with.
BONUS: We have put together a special report on the top RIP providers in the industry and the pros and cons of each. Click Here to download the free report!Multiple Printers
With a RIP, you can run multiple printers from the same computer simultaneously, and without slowing anything down. You can process/print/prepare files for each printer to maximize production.
A RIP will give you the ability to calibrate and profile each printer so you can achieve accurate and consistent colors between all connected printers.
This is especially useful if you have 2 or more printers that all output the same media because instead of having to dedicate 1 printer to 1 job, you can run that job on any printer (or split it up and use all printers).
The Linearization process accomplishes this by finding the original printing state of each printer (in terms of color output), thus “dialing in the printer” to its factory standard of output.
Since normal use of a printer causes it to “drift” from its original state, the linearization process brings the printer back to where it needs to be.
A real world comparison of this would be like adjusting the alignment of the tires on your car.
Over time, wear and tear on a car’s tires can cause the car to drift slightly to one side, but a tire alignment brings you back to the original state of the vehicle’s steering, which is straight.
Color Management
RIPs can make a significant impact on your color management workflow.
Along with Linearization, most RIP programs give you the ability to create your own ICC profiles without needing additional software.
While this can be accomplished using the standard printer driver, you have many more options and control through a RIP.
Most standard print drivers force you to choose an existing media type that is already installed in the driver.
You have little control adjusting the ink capacity (maximum amount of ink a particular media can hold without pooling), and have no control over linearizing a particular type of media.
With a RIP, you are creating the media type and storing it in the RIP by entering the name of the media you are using.
This process is also useful if you have 2 or more of the same printer model. You can essentially create a profile on 1 printer and simply copy it over to the next printer.
If you are using 2 or more printers and each printer is a different model, you are still able to get accurate color prints with the profiling process in the RIP. This is especially useful if you have aqueous and solvent printers.
RIP Software Recommendations
While there are many different RIP programs out there, I’ll list a few of the more commonly used RIPs in the industry:
- Onyx
- Colorburst
- Image Print
- EFI
- Wasatch
- Caldera
- Ergosoft
To learn more about these RIPs, including differences between them and pros and cons of each, click here to download our free RIP report.
Now that you understand what a RIP does and how it can add value to your printing workflow, you can now make the informative decision of whether you need it to be successful.
Check out #AskBC Episode 6: Rip Software and Color Management to further assist you in your decision.
Follow-Up Reading
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Best Printers For Mac
Printing, nesting, inkjet, large format, color management, RIP, multiple printers, layout, nest, program
BestPrinters for MaciMore2020
As much as our lives are immersed in digital documentation, there are still times when we need to print something, whether it's a document, an application, or a photo. Especially in busy office spaces, a quality printer is a must. When you need to revert to paper documentation, these are the all-around best printers for Mac.
No ink cartridges: Epson EcoTank ET-3710
Staff FavoriteThis printer comes with some impressive features, including a color display, wired and wireless networking, and voice-activated printing for Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. Epson handles ink differently, as it does away with ink cartridges and uses low-cost replacement ink bottles.
$320 at AmazonSmall but mighty: Brother Compact laser printer
If you want to print a lot of pages fast, but don't have the desk landscape for an oversized printer, Brother's HLL2395DW is the model for you. It prints 36 pages per minute in black-and-white and has a 2.7-inch color touchscreen menu panel, but the base only takes up about as much space as a pad of legal paper.
$150 at AmazonMulti-user equipped: Canon Maxify
If you've got a lot of people in your household (or office) that need to print a lot, the Maxify will ease your paper-replacing burden with a two-tray setup. You can fit up to 500 sheets at once, so you don't have to refill as often.
$100 at AmazonOffice workhorse: Brother Business Smart Pro
For actual office productivity, you'll want to go pro with something that can print multiple sizes of paper directly from the glass screen, as well as from mobile devices. The Business Smart Pro also supports faxing for you old-timers.
$240 at AmazonBest Printer Rip Software For Mac Free
6-color printer: Canon Pixma
For full-color printing, Canon's Pixma is what you want. It's got a six-color individual ink system for the best quality full-color printing you can get for your home. It also supports wireless printing, photo printing, and external SD Card storage support.
$120 at AmazonBest Printer Rip Software For Mac Printing
Budget option: HP OfficeJet 3830
If you need a basic printer in your home for those rare occasions when you'd like to print out an application or a coupon for pizza, HP's OfficeJet is the perfect low-maintenance, low-cost option. You can print on a variety of sizes (including envelopes) and in color or black-and-white.
$60 at AmazonWhich printer should you choose?
Our best choice goes to the Epson EcoTank ET-3710 because of its great versatility. Not only do you get a serviceable printer, but you also get one that is efficient with how it handles ink with its unique replacement system. They don't use ink cartridges. Instead, they use low-cost replacement bottles that are easily refillable – this is a huge convenience.
Rip Software For Canon Printers
If you don't have the coin to shell out for our top choice, then the budget-friendly HP OfficeJet 3830 is for you. It's good enough at handling day-to-day printing, scanning, and copying. Plus, it can also print from your iPhone without issue, thanks to AirPrint support. We can't forget to mention HP's Instant Ink program that saves you a ton of money when replacing your cartridges.
While these are the best all-around printers for Mac, there are dozens of fantastic models out there whether you're looking specifically for laser printers or AirPrint printers, there's something perfect for everyone.
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Buyer’s GuideBest Printers For Mac Computer
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Best Printer Rip Software For Mac Download
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