The latest and greatest in desktop publishing is known as computer to plate or CTP for short. It is the phase early in the printing process and it incorporates the use of special prepress equipment known as the image-setter. This is the descendant of the computer to film printing format or simply CTP. With the older technology, the graphics are accessed from a file in the computer and go to the photographic film. The accessed image is then forwarded to the photographic plate where an intermediate step is needed to prepare it for the printing process. The process that starts from the computer up to the plate process eliminates the mid-range process and relays the created graphics and images in the desktop straight to the printing plate. With the elimination of the mid-range procedures, the whole operation becomes more efficient and reduces the cost associated with the process.

The obvious concern at this time is on the requirements for the conversion from computer to film format to computer to plate format. In general, the upgrade will necessitate modifications to the infrastructure that come with the overhaul of the current work flow. For the changes in the current work flow, the main focus will be in the elimination of potential bottlenecks within the work process and proper maintenance of the flow so that it moves along smoothly. Another aspect of the conversion refers to the infrastructure. This is not expected to create any serious challenge as buying a new system is not going to cause any great financial burden.

Today, anyone may buy a new desktop computer without having to raid your bank account as prices have significantly dropped. Thus, purchasing a new unit is a strong possibility for most of us in need of one. On top of this, because of the increased speed of the newer versions of desktop computers, the entire process of desktop publishing will be enhanced. Over a relatively short period of time, the investment on these new units of desktop computers will be recovered as you increase the output. When everything is said and done you are able to shift from a more efficient process and you are able to reduce cost that is associated with the task.

Once you have evaluated the cost and benefit concerns, you must have to go for a more detailed analysis of the effect of the new format on the work flow.

In doing this, you have to consider the following major areas of concern: The first one refers to task acceptance and the preflighting. This phase consists of the inspection of the files that you will work on, and of the graphics and fonts. It is important that these files are set up in accordance with the guidelines provided by the client.

The next step in the work flow analysis focuses on the preliminary activities. This phase establishes and validates the compatibility of the type of equipment.

The final phase involves the clean-up component of the process. This is all about managing the databases and the files so that all the targets are met without any complications or glitches.