Computer to film

Computer to film (CTF) is a print workflow involving printing of a design file from a computer straight to a film through an imagesetter.

Designs are typically created in desktop publishing software packages.

An imagesetter is an ultra-high resolution large-format computer output device for CTF.

For multi-coloured printing, the image is broken up into multiple layers representing each of the spot colors or the CMYK process colors, this may be split manually by the designer or separated by software in the imagesetter itself.

With advances in the technology of heat stabilization of polyester film, new-generation laser printer films provide excellent image registration and sharpness for multi-colour jobs.