If you are looking to get the best, yet free raster image processor software, the options might be a bit overwhelming at first glance. However, once you know what capabilities it should have and how to use image processors, then it is not difficult to find the right program.
It’s pretty easy to identify the need for a good raster image processor software. While you could use a regular editing software to process raster images, you’re better off using an image processing software instead. Will you be looking to do special effects? Or are you simply looking to resize and optimize your images? With so many raster image processor software out there today, selecting one can be quite confusing. What has led me to create this list of the best raster image processor software is my personal experience with each of them – I have tried them all!
What is a Raster Image Processor?
Large-format or wide-format printers are more difficult to manage and setup. First, they are much larger physically so installation is not quite as simple. In fact, many semi-seasoned users take hours ensuring their large-format printers are functional and operational.
Enter the raster image processor (RIP). This page translation algorithm, while it sounds complicated, is simply a hardware or hardware/software combination that reformats graphic source files, like vectors, to printable formats. Any graphic images—let’s say, for example, a poster or certain fonts—are rasterized and pushed to a printer as a series of simple, readable commands.
This file, coded with individual color-tagged addresses, is transformed into ink dots, also called bitmaps.
Large-format printers apply ink dots to produce an image of what you have created within your software. Think of the product as one big bitmap. RIP software tells your printer’s printheads what color to print, where, and what intensity to use.
Megarip
Megarip is a versatile software RIP and color management system built for photographers, designers and print professionals who need high quality prints from desktop to grand format inkjet printers.
Features:
- True 16-bit processing (enhances color fidelity and consistency of printed images)
- Understanding of wide range of file formats like TIFF, JPEG, PNG, PDF, etc.
- Automatic Nesting
- Screen Printing (Megarip can function as an affordable inkjet computer-to-plate (CTP) System.
- Use of intelligent ink limiting to achieve optimal color densities while consuming least amount of ink.
- Supports unlimited number of local or network clients at no additional costs.
ERGOSOFT 16
The Ergosoft 16 RIP Software is a more complete production and workflow suite, with an emphasis on making the job of the RIP operator more efficient. It has improved user interface, enhanced production and workflow. It has Cost Manager for cost calculations and can generate production cost reports. It has better print and cut workspace. Ergosoft 16 has new Print Queue design for flexible job data display.
Xitron’s Navigator Harlequin RIP
Xitron’s Navigator Harlequin RIP is a best implementation of Global Graphic’s Harlequin RIP techniology, providing prepress environments with swift, foreseeable and well-grounded elucidation of PostScript, PDF, and EPS format files. Navigator is most trusted name in RIP architecture as it has over 35000 installations worldwide.
Navigator Workflow adds cross-platform functionality and user control from both Mac and any PC workstation on the network.
Features:
- Low cost of Ownership
- PDF 2.0 compatibility
- Intelligent Job Tracking and search
- Network-Wide Access
- Scalable
- Output to Hundred Devices
- Interpretive Accuracy
Wasatch SoftRIP
- Wasatch SoftRIP is a Raster Image Processing and print management software suitable for large format printing, digital printing, dye sublimation, screen separations, and other specialized printing markets.
- The sophisticated software has a simple setup, inbuilt workflow, and a powerful control system that saves your time and money while printing excellent colors.
- For specialized production purposes, the software also includes Variable Data Printing and Automation features.
- Wasatch SoftRIP has a specific tool that efficiently works with Epson SureColor F6200 and the new SureColor F6300.
- It is also compatible with a huge list of printing machines belonging to the following brands like Canon, Astro, Formax, HP, Polaroid, Roland, Tasco, VIP Color, and much more.
FILMMAKER 10 RIP
- FILMMAKER 10 RIP is a Raster Image Processing and color separation software developed by CADLink.
- The RIP software is compatible with Mac and PCs and used multiple times.
- The software package allows you to create film positives with excellent dot accuracy and perfect image density.
- Likewise, the software also provides a simple way to modify halftone screens to print screens over 150 LPI using only inkjet printer technology.
- The FILMMAKER includes a visual production manager to manage all production records in a single production management system.
- Moreover, the software is designed with custom printer drivers to support various printer models and its manufacturers like Epson, Canon, Ricoh, Mutoh, Roland, and many more.
Digital Factory
- Digital Factory Raster Image Processing software for Direct to Garment print shops.
- The Digital Factory provides precise, vibrant color reproduction compatible with multiple printers.
- Get support to most wide-format printers with optimized custom printer drivers for printer brands like Brother, GTX, GT-3.
- Digital Factory offers more than just a Raster Image Processing software. Besides RIP, it also offers preparation and management tools to simplify your production workflow from start to finish.
- Moreover, you can also run multiple printers simultaneously, availing of the option to add additional printer support.
Onyx Graphics SRXPHOUSE-11
- Onyx Graphics SRXPHOUSE-11 is a Raster Image Processing software for the medium to high volume production industries.
- The color separation software is specifically designed to generate custom color media profiles with a combination of inks.
- The software is compatible with all types of grand-format, large-format, and flatbed printers.
- The software is loaded with automatic Pantone, RAL, and HKS spot color matching ink tools for white and other specialty inks.
- Lastly, get highly automated color profiling with gray-balance and black generation technology with ONYX profile generator.
AccuRIP Software
- AccuRIP is one of the most popular Raster Image Processors for screen printing industries.
- No worries if you are not tech-savvy. The easy installation process of AccuRIP software auto-detects and connects to your printers on your Wifi network automatically.
- The software smoothly functions for any Epson or Canon Pixma Pro-100 printer.
- Moreover, it uses a critical ink laydown feature that gives accurate and dense films without any wastage.
- The software is bundled with Dmax Ink Master Kit to transform the Canon Pixma Pro-100 into an outstanding film production printer.
- Besides, the driver-based fast processing software gives you accurate graphics without any wastage of ink.
PowerRIP Software
- PowerRIP is a RIP software for screen printing.
- In fact, the simple controls of this software help you give you full access to everything you need in film output for screen printing.
- Get dense film positives on an inkjet printer with halftone dots or random color indices.
- Finally, the PowerRIP software enables us to get a multi-color print with greater accuracy.
ColorGATE Professional RIP
- ColorGATE Professional is the Raster Image Processing software developed by Kornit Digital for Direct-to-Garment printers.
- It features a high-performance color management system and spot color matching for the highest accuracy in color and clarity in garments’ DTG printing.
- The RIP supports PDF files with spot colors having color libraries perfect for white base creation.
- Moreover, the software also acts as a single point control system for multiple printing machines running simultaneously.
Conclusion:
Generally speaking, raster image processing software is an image editor that allows you to convert, edit, and retouch images. They may also allow more advanced tasks such as adjusting colors, combining multiple images, sharpening, cropping, and converting between formats.