Printer Rip For Mac
Microspot X-RIP is a professional Mac OS X printer driver. Native to OS X, Microspot X-RIP provides professional looking output on a wide range of large format printers. Features include Microspot's new Pixel Expansion technology which dramatically increases speed and lowers the RAM requirement as well as custom paper sizes that can be set up and saved to use whenever needed. The UNIX file handling system insure smooth operation and allows created print files to share the same name as the document. Enhanced error diffusion algorithm results in higher quality photographic prints. Microspot X-RIP does not use PostScript so it is possible to save thousands by using a non-PostScript printer with X-RIP, in preference to the more expensive PostScript printers.
The multi-threaded raster image-processing engine provides far superior throughput and lays a solid foundation for future expansion. Other features include Print Centre level printing allowing easy management of your printers and print queues, support for high-resolution large format printing up to and including 1200 dots per inch (DPI). Microspot X-RIP supports a wide range of printers, including roll-feed printers and supports media up to 60' (1524mm) wide. Unidirectional USB supports legacy printers and ensures Microspot X-RIP is capable of setting up and communicating with hardware that does not support bi-directional communications protocols such as USB.
Microspot X-RIP makes the ideal addition to your design environment, combining an easy to use Aqua interface with the latest Mac OS X technologies.
The best solution is the most elegant one. As Eric said, consider your entire workflow, from camera to print, and all of your printing requirements. Lightroom often fits the bill for it's excellent quality, simplicity and elegance.
It's also a forward thinking product that will continue to mature over time. If you're needing features that it, or your current workflow application, don't have, then what are those features? What are you missing? Those questions will point you toward the right solution. But throwing a RIP into the mix without asking those questions will surely complicate things and lead to a more complicated workflow. I wanted something that would make it easy to layout a number of different images.
At the same time, I would want something that would create a gallery wrap when i print a canvas. Over the years i have gotten better at mirroring the image to create the wrap but it is always time consuming. My business consist of print sports portraits, group shots, weddings, and panoramas. A feature that the gentleman mentioned was the ability to buy the product and use it on a larger machine when i chose to upgrade. From what i have read, imageprint sells you a license for one machine and that is it. If my venture is profitable, it looks like this mirage software will allow me to add more printers in my workflow without shelling out more cash. I took a quick look at the Mirage site, but it looked to me like Window only PS plugin.
Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see a Mac OSX version offered. You mentioned CS3. Do you have the suite or just PS? Indesign makes a pretty darn good image nesting tool with easy image drag and drop capability, print margin, placement, and frame control, etc. If you don't need other features of a full blown RIP like more advanced ink limiting and linearization. With a little effort you could probably work out a scalable template for your gallery wrap needs with it as well.
For a 44 inch printer, ID as a standalone purchase costs no more than Imagenest, and as far as I can tell, give's Imagenest pretty fair competition for versatility and speed. Another inexpensive option might be to use Qimage running under VMfusion or Parallels on the Mac, but I've never tried it. Lastly, the Canon imageprograf series of printers throw in a sweet little known utility called 'Free Layout'. Not quite as robust as Imagenest, but not bad for many Canon iPF owners because it has no additional cost. I took a quick look at the Mirage site, but it looked to me like Window only PS plugin. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see a Mac OSX version offered. You mentioned CS3.
Do you have the suite or just PS? Indesign makes a pretty darn good image nesting tool with easy image drag and drop capability, print margin, placement, and frame control, etc.
Software Rip For Mac
If you don't need other features of a full blown RIP like more advanced ink limiting and linearization. With a little effort you could probably work out a scalable template for your gallery wrap needs with it as well.
For a 44 inch printer, ID as a standalone purchase costs no more than Imagenest, and as far as I can tell, give's Imagenest pretty fair competition for versatility and speed. Another inexpensive option might be to use Qimage running under VMfusion or Parallels on the Mac, but I've never tried it. Lastly, the Canon imageprograf series of printers throw in a sweet little known utility called 'Free Layout'. Not quite as robust as Imagenest, but not bad for many Canon iPF owners because it has no additional cost.
Mirage works well on Mac OSX. I´m using Beta 1.5 on Mac OSX 10.4.11 with PS CS4 and with Epson 4880 / 9800.
Printer Rip For Mac
It is quite easy to use and you can test it for 14 days for free. So try it and see if it fits in to your workflow or not. Supported Applications Windows: Adobe Photoshop 7, CS, CS2, CS3, CS4 & CS5 in 32 & 64bit Adobe Photoshop Elements 6, 7 & 8 Adobe InDesign CS3, CS4 & CS5 Macintosh: Adobe Photoshop CS2, CS3, CS4 & CS5 (32bit only!) Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 & 8 Adobe InDesign CS3, CS4 & CS5 System Requirements Mac OS X 10.4 or later, Windows XP SP2 or later, Windows Vista 32 or Vista 64, Windows 7 32 & 64 bit Professional Printing New Defined Now you can enjoy printing without complex printer drivers. Mirage is a professional print plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop and InDesign and is available for the latest Epson Stylus Pro printers. Fast and simple to use. Saves time and money. Supports all colour modes.
Printers For Mac Computers
Absolutely no length limitation. Supports USB and TCP/IP connection. Compatible with Apple OSX, Windows XP Vista 32 and 64 bit, Windows 7 32 and 64 bit The Mirage software, the Mirage Quick Start Guide, the Mirage User Guides and the Mirage Datasheets are legal property of din.a.x Digitale Bildbearbeitung, Neuss, Germany.