In either case, this is something that should be used with caution as you are purposely altering the image in a pretty dramatic way. Or perhaps we are given an image that is already softened by the customer, and we desire more clarity of the image, thus we may need to sharpen it. We can use the blur to soften the jagged edges. However, occasionally we need to soften an image, for instance perhaps when we will be using a low resolution image on a vehicle wrap. EVERY image is different and if you can avoid using sharpen or blur you ll be better off. Why? Because whether to sharpen or blur an image is a very judgmental thing to decide. You'll notice that I did not tell you to sharpen or blur, (yes I said blur!), the image in the list of things to do above. Learn to sharpen or blur an image if needed, where needed. Files in this folder can be deleted if the final product prints to your satisfaction. You might want to call this folder Work in Progress. Put one copy in a different folder, out of the way. Do all these adjustments in RGB Color mode. Next, adjust the Color Balance, Brightness & Contrast, found in the Bitmap>Filter menu. Experiment with each image for the best result. Notice in my example how the colors are more intense after adjusting levels. An adjustable preview box is placed on the image. In FlexiSIGN, select the image then go to the Bitmap Menu and choose Filter>Level.
Crop the picture, then adjust the levels, also called "curves." Your software might do this automatically or it can be done manually. Keep that copy safe by moving it to a separate folder. You ll get great accuracy and since the monitor is the first and last device used to judge good color, it would seem a logical investment.
Of course a better method would be to use a hardware device like the GretagMacbeth Eye1 Display (available for about $250 USD), or some other device.
You may also want to check out another free program like the Monitor Calibration Wizard, again free ( Just remember, however, that you are relying on your eye sight and judgment for these free monitor adjustment programs. You put up the test pattern and then make the adjustments to your monitor. There are test patterns for Geometry, Convergence, Resolution, Moiré, Brightness, Contrast, Focus, Readability, Color and Screen Regulation. It can be downloaded form Nokia Test is a freeware utility by Nokia that will guide you through testing and adjusting any monitor for an optimum display. I d suggest a free (I know you sign folks like the sound of that!) program to help adjust your monitor. Check your computer monitor and adjust it if you're not getting a good picture. Relax, you don't need to take it back you just need Nokia Test.
The manual tells you how to adjust your new monitor but it's confusing, and attempts to adjust your screen only make things worse. There are waves in the view, and it's not a sharp picture. But once you got it home and plugged it in, something isn't right. Adjust your monitor for better color viewing. First, let me say that while I am using FlexiSIGN as my software for editing, you can apply similar techniques in any good sign making software package. This month I'll offer 10 image-editing tips for FlexiSIGN users. 1 Image editing seems overly complicated, but it's actually quite easy if you have good software.