CMI CMI Publishing & Media Production 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What minimum resolution (PPI) is typically required for medical illustrations submitted for offset printing in a journal or textbook?
- 72 PPI
- 150 PPI
- 300 PPI (Correct answer)
- 600 PPI
Correct answer: 300 PPI
300 PPI at final print size is the standard minimum for high-quality offset printing to ensure sharp, detailed reproduction.
Question 2: Which color mode must medical illustrations be converted to before submitting to a publisher for CMYK offset printing?
- RGB
- CMYK (Correct answer)
- LAB
- Grayscale
Correct answer: CMYK
Offset printing uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, so files must be in CMYK mode to ensure accurate color reproduction.
Question 3: A publisher requires figures submitted as 'EPS' files. What is the primary advantage of this format for medical illustrations?
- It supports embedded audio tracks
- It is a vector-based format that scales without quality loss (Correct answer)
- It compresses images using lossy algorithms
- It is the only format compatible with Microsoft Word
Correct answer: It is a vector-based format that scales without quality loss
EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) is a vector format, allowing infinite scaling without pixelation, essential for publication at variable sizes.
Question 4: When preparing medical illustrations for digital-only journal publication, which color mode is most appropriate to ensure accurate on-screen color rendering?
- CMYK
- Pantone spot color
- RGB (Correct answer)
- Duotone
Correct answer: RGB
Screens display color using red, green, and blue light, so RGB mode provides the widest and most accurate gamut for digital publication.
Question 5: A medical illustrator receives a 'proof' from a publisher before final printing. What is the primary purpose of reviewing the proof?
- To negotiate fees for the illustration
- To verify color accuracy, layout, and labeling before mass reproduction (Correct answer)
- To submit the copyright registration
- To approve the author's written text
Correct answer: To verify color accuracy, layout, and labeling before mass reproduction
A proof is a pre-press test print used to catch color shifts, label errors, or compositional issues before the full print run.
Question 6: What does the term 'bleed' mean in the context of preparing a medical illustration for print publication?
- A color gradient technique in the image
- Artwork that extends beyond the trim edge to prevent white borders after cutting (Correct answer)
- The ink saturation limit for a printing press
- A watermark applied for copyright protection
Correct answer: Artwork that extends beyond the trim edge to prevent white borders after cutting
Bleed refers to art intentionally extended past the trim line so that after the page is cut, there are no unprinted white margins.
CMI CMI Publishing & Media Production 1
What minimum resolution (PPI) is typically required for medical illustrations submitted for offset printing in a journal or textbook?