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A
aarkeys
Participating Frequently
October 5, 2019
Answered

Void Pantograph Creation

  • October 5, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 30876 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
        aarkeysAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        December 13, 2019

        Dear Jacob,

         

        Thanks for the solution. Its been long I have been working on this and it has perplexed me a lot.

         

        It would be great if you can share your psd file as it would be a great helping block for me to work upon further.

        Thanks in advance.

         

         

        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.
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