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                <h1>
                    Improving gradients and color blends in print
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                <div><p>PostScript
Level 2 and PostScript 3 output devices can print up to 256 shades
of gray, and most PostScript desktop laser printers are capable
of printing approximately 32 to 64 shades, depending on the device
resolution, specified screen frequency, and halftoning method. Banding
occurs when each available shade covers an area large enough for
you to see individual shades. Also, if you specify a gradient using
two percentage values that differ by less than 50%, you’re specifying
a narrow range of shades that’s more likely to result in banding.
If you have difficulty printing smooth gradients without banding,
try these techniques:</p>
<ul><li><p>Use a gradient that changes at least 50% between two
or more process color components.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Specify lighter colors, or shorten the length of dark gradients.
Banding is most likely to occur between very dark colors and white.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Increase the percentage of change in the gradient.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Decrease the screen frequency for the document (PostScript
output devices only).</p>
</li>
<li><p>If banding occurs in an imported graphic, such as an Adobe
Illustrator® file, you might need to adjust
the original graphic.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Print to a PostScript® 3 output device,
which is capable of producing smoother gradients.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Use shorter gradients. The optimum length depends on the
colors in the gradient, but try to keep gradients shorter than 7.5
inches.</p>
</li>
</ul>
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                    <div><p>&#160;<a href="WSa285fff53dea4f8617383751001ea8cb3f-6c7da.html">About gradients</a></p>
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                    <p><a href="http://help.adobe.com/en_US/InDesign/6.0/WSa285fff53dea4f8617383751001ea8cb3f-7020a.html" title="http://help.adobe.com/en_US/InDesign/6.0/WSa285fff53dea4f8617383751001ea8cb3f-7020a.html">Specify a halftone screen frequency and resolution (adobe.com)</a></p>
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