Skip to main content
A
aarkeys
Participating Frequently
October 5, 2019
Answered

Void Pantograph Creation

  • October 5, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 30940 views

Hi all,

 

I am currently puzzled how to create a pantograph with the word VOID written.

I tried to create one and it is attached as PSD file but i am unsuccessful in the matter.

 

It has to be back and white in color or a combination of magenta.

 

Any advice or lead in this would be highly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance

 

 

    Correct answer Stephen Marsh

    I have created an action to help those that are having problems creating the pantograph image. Ideally this would be created in Workflow/RIP software and not in Photoshop.

     

    One can adjust the size and resolution of the background image, however, I'd recommend working at 1200ppi or 2400ppi. 600ppi may be too low, however it would depend on the output resolution.

     

    One can also adjust the text content, size and positioning.

     

    You can download the action from my dropbox here:

     

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/khhcccgl7ipgxi3/Void%20Pantograph%20Creator.atn?dl=0

     

    Hope this helps!

     

     

    EDIT: 27th February 2021 – New version 1.2 replacing the original 1.0 and 1.1 releases

    3 replies

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    January 8, 2021

    I have created an action to help those that are having problems creating the pantograph image. Ideally this would be created in Workflow/RIP software and not in Photoshop.

     

    One can adjust the size and resolution of the background image, however, I'd recommend working at 1200ppi or 2400ppi. 600ppi may be too low, however it would depend on the output resolution.

     

    One can also adjust the text content, size and positioning.

     

    You can download the action from my dropbox here:

     

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/khhcccgl7ipgxi3/Void%20Pantograph%20Creator.atn?dl=0

     

    Hope this helps!

     

     

    EDIT: 27th February 2021 – New version 1.2 replacing the original 1.0 and 1.1 releases

      A
      ashish.gehlot
      Participating Frequently
      February 26, 2021

      Hi @Stephen Marsh 

      I tried with small size but it seems it only work with big size.

      I tested it on A4 size where it worked as expacted but not with small size 200x163.

       

      A
      ashish.gehlot
      Participating Frequently
      February 26, 2021

      Correction: Small size was 165x80*  

      Stephen Marsh
      Community Expert
      Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      October 5, 2019

      It has been over 30 years since I did these, I have probably forgotten a lot...

       

      A sample image link follows. Flatten the linked sample and convert to bitmap mode at 2400ppi using 50% threshold method.

       

      Test print at the highest resolution available at 100% magnification/same size.

       

      This uses a background "stipple" of 45° round dots at 120 lpi frequency.

       

      The text is using a "line" pattern at 45° at 120 lpi frequency.

       

      It will take a lot of experimentation, trial and error. It will depend on your output variables. You may need to increase or decrease the frequency of either the text or the background pattern, and or change the screen angle etc. Perhaps a horizontal line angle is better than 45°, I really can't remember... You really need accurate, high-resolution reproduction.

       

      Please do report back to the forum on your findings, including more info on how this is printed and as many details as possible.

       

      Good luck!

       

      https://www.dropbox.com/s/ma8sbmkl31jt918/void_panto.psd?dl=0

        Jake Stanfield
        Jake Stanfield
        Participating Frequently
        December 12, 2019

        Stephen-

        The file you provided is INCREDIBLE! I printed the file out on our color laser printer (Phaser 7800) as-is and it didn't work very well (I didn't read/do what you instructed) as the grey box and VOID both printed although the text was just slightly visible against the background. I put the print on the copier and the text did pop out a little more. So it KIND OF worked. I then studied the file and thought maybe if I connected the end points of the lines to the dots with the brush tool it would prevent the text from being visible at all on the original, but even with it set to 100% hard edge there was some blur to the brush. So I converted it to bitmap 1200 dpi / 50% threashold and then connected the ends of the lines to the dots adjacent to them (no brush blur). I printed it out and all I got was a grey box, couldn't see anything else. Put it on the copier....BAM!!! No grey box, just "VOID" appearing on the paper!!! WOW!!! JUST WOW! Thank you so much! 

         

        Grateful for your help friend!

         

        A
        ashish.gehlot
        Participating Frequently
        January 5, 2021

        I provided full instructions and a layered file earlier in the topic thread. I’d suggest that you read my post again.

         

         I used Photoshop bitmap mode halftone screen conversions as I no longer have easy access to an image setter RIP and or Workflow software that can apply different screening at the object level. This uses background "stipple" of 45° round dots at 120 lpi frequency and the VOID text is using a "line" pattern at 45° at 120 lpi frequency. I believe that the original tint value was 15% for both background and text.

         

         

        For offset printed work this would be best performed using workflow/RIP software at the highest possible resolution 2400 ppi or higher as supported by the platesetter.

         

        Back in the early 1990’s when I worked for a security and forms printing company, I had to make two separate sequential imagesetter exposures to the same piece of film in order to burn different screen patterns on the same separation. I may only have performed this operation a handful of times back in the day, it was not very common. Perhaps we had to burn positives, then dupe the composite screened film into a negative, before plates were exposed, I really can't recall with any accuracy.

         

        Many modern workflows offer the ability to tag different objects with separate screening data that will be applied at the object level, overriding the screening used for the rest of the plate.

         

        As press time is expensive, I would see if you can gang up multiple samples on the same plate. Perhaps positioning the same test patterns in random spots over the width and depth of the sheet to ensure that printing was consistent. 

         

        Look into using the same tint percentage value for the text and background and try different tint strengths. I’d stick with a 45-degree angle for the background tint, but you could try different line angles (0° or 90°) or perhaps use dots with differing LPI values or angles rather than a line screen etc.

         

        This may not be as easy as with digital printing. I’m going from very fuzzy old memories that predate CTP and things have likely changed with modern software and hardware. Good luck!


        Hi @Stephen Marsh,

        Thanks for sharing psd file & helpful instrustion.
        I tried to rescale pantograph image to small image then put on documents but seems like pantograph only works as big image. Is their any standared size or rules for pantograph image dimenson. I resized it to 200x163.

         

        Thanks

        Tom Winkelmann
        Tom Winkelmann
        Inspiring
        October 5, 2019

        Can you show an example what do you expect?
        If i google "pantograph" I get everything what I expect with the word "pantograph" but nothing what you showed as example...

        A
        aarkeysAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        October 5, 2019
        In security printing, void pantograph refers to a method of making copy-evident and tamper-resistant patterns in the background of a document. Normally these are invisible to the eye, but become obvious when the document is photocopied. Typically they spell out "void", "copy", "invalid" or some other indicator message.
          Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
          Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices