ACE Output for Print and Web 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which color profile is most appropriate when preparing an image for offset printing on coated paper?
- sRGB IEC61966-2.1
- Adobe RGB (1998)
- U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2 (Correct answer)
- ProPhoto RGB
Correct answer: U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2
U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2 is the standard CMYK profile for offset printing on coated paper in the US.
Question 2: When saving a JPEG for web use, what does the 'Optimize' checkbox do in the Save for Web dialog?
- Applies sharpening automatically
- Creates the smallest file size for a given quality setting (Correct answer)
- Converts the image to sRGB
- Removes metadata from the file
Correct answer: Creates the smallest file size for a given quality setting
The Optimize checkbox enables Huffman coding optimization, producing smaller JPEG file sizes at the same quality level.
Question 3: A designer notices banding in a gradient when printing. What is the most likely cause?
- The image resolution is too high
- The file was saved as PNG-24
- The bit depth is 8-bit, limiting tonal transitions (Correct answer)
- The color mode is set to Lab
Correct answer: The bit depth is 8-bit, limiting tonal transitions
8-bit images have only 256 tonal levels per channel, which can cause visible banding in smooth gradients when printed.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the 'Bleed' setting when using Photoshop's Print dialog?
- It adds crop marks inside the image boundary
- It extends image content beyond the trim edge to prevent white borders after cutting (Correct answer)
- It sets the ink density limit for press output
- It converts spot colors to process colors
Correct answer: It extends image content beyond the trim edge to prevent white borders after cutting
Bleed extends artwork beyond the trim line so that after trimming, no unprinted white edges appear.
Question 5: Which Photoshop feature allows you to preview how an image will look on a specific output device before printing?
- Color Balance adjustment
- Soft Proofing via View > Proof Colors (Correct answer)
- Gamut Warning only
- Match Color command
Correct answer: Soft Proofing via View > Proof Colors
Soft Proofing simulates on screen how the image will appear when printed using a specified output profile.
Question 6: When exporting an image as SVG from Photoshop for web use, which type of layer content exports best?
- Raster pixel layers
- Shape layers with vector paths (Correct answer)
- Gradient fill layers
- Pattern overlay layers
Correct answer: Shape layers with vector paths
Shape layers containing vector paths export cleanly as SVG because they are resolution-independent mathematical paths.
Question 7: What does the 'Rendering Intent' setting control when converting between color profiles?
- The screen brightness during conversion
- How out-of-gamut colors are mapped to the destination gamut (Correct answer)
- The resolution of the output file
- Whether metadata is preserved
Correct answer: How out-of-gamut colors are mapped to the destination gamut
Rendering Intent determines the method used to translate colors that fall outside the destination color gamut.
ACE Output for Print and Web 2
Which color profile is most appropriate when preparing an image for offset printing on coated paper?