Expert: Tom Rouze - 5/27/2006

Question
Hi - I work in a screenprinting shop and need to output a one color file in line screen - where it is small dots (the customer left it as jpgs and some have gradations)
i went to Print - Output - Printer Resolution i selected 53lpi/600dpi - but it doesn't print out in dots.
i read in the Help menu that you are sposed to click on the color in Document Ink Options but it doesn't do anything when i click on a color.
How do i print this out in Illustrator?
I usually print them out in Corel - but when i bring the Illustrator file over to Corel it is scrambling some of the logos and just think there has to be an easy way to do this in Illustrator.
Any help greatly appreciated!
thanks

Answer
Hi Timmie,

Let's approach this from a different angle.  This is usually done with RIP software but here's something that I think will work for you.  It seems that you're looking to provide a printout for you or someone to view.  
Bring the image into Photoshop.  Change the image to Bitmap.  Image>Mode>Grayscale.  Image>Mode>Bitmap.  When you reach the Bitmap you will have the option of setting your output resolution and method.  For Method choose Halftone screen.  Then another window will pop up for screen frequency, screen angle and shape.  Set your screen frequency to your desired "output", angle to 60 degrees, and shape to circle or elipse.
I think this will give you what you are looking for.
It's a little more effort but it will work.
When you make the film you should be able to send the Illustrator file to your imagesetter and the RIP creates the screen frequency and dots.
I hope this helped.

Thank you,

Tom