Inkjet printing has come a long way, and today’s presses (like our HP PageWide T250) are capable of printing clean and consistent books…when files are set up with the right expectations. The T250 is designed for speed, efficiency, and short to medium print runs, but like any press, it performs best when images are optimized specifically for the technology behind it.
If you’re preparing files for printing on the Inkjet, here are some key considerations that will help ensure your book prints as well as possible.
UNDERSTAND HOW INKJET PRINTS IMAGES
Unlike offset or toner-based presses, inkjet uses water-based inks. Water based inks absorb into the paper fibers more than oil based or toner-based inks do. This affects how images appear on the final page, especially in terms of contrast, sharpness, and colour saturation. So, what does that mean in practice? Images tend to look best when they are:
- Clean and well-balanced
- Light to medium ink coverage
- Designed for pleasing colour rather than ultra-high fidelity
Inkjet excels with text-heavy books, simple graphics, and supportive imagery, which is why it’s such a strong fit for trade books, educational materials, and backlist titles.
USE THE RIGHT IMAGE RESOLUTION
One of the most common misconceptions is that inkjet needs extremely high-resolution images. In reality, 300 ppi is typically more than sufficient for photos and illustrations used on the T250.
Oversized or ultra-high-resolution images won’t improve the print quality on inkjet, but they will increase file size and slow down processing. On the flip side, low resolution images can appear soft and “muddy” once printed. A good rule of thumb:
- Aim for 250-300 ppi at final print size
- Avoid scaling up small images in layout software (learn more about that here)
WATCH CONTRAST AND SHADOW DETAIL
Because ink absorbs into the paper, very dark images can lose details in the shadows. Photos with heavy blacks or high contrast may appear flatter when printed if they’re not adjusted ahead of time. To get better results:
- Lighten shadows slightly
- Avoid crushed blacks
- Increase midtone detail rather than overall contrast
Subtle adjustments in image editing software can make a noticeable difference once the book comes off the press.
KEEP COLOUR EXPECTATIONS REALISTIC
The HP PageWide T250 delivers good, consistent colour, but it isn’t designed for the same colour accuracy or vibrance as offset or toner presses. That’s not a drawback…it’s simply about choosing the right tool for the job. Inkjet performs best when:
- Consistency matters more than exact colour matching
- Colour is supportive, not dominant
- Images are editorial, instructional, or documentary in nature
If your project relies on premium colour reproduction, such as art books or photography-heavy titles, another printing method may be a better fit. But for many books, inkjet offers an excellent balance of quality, speed, and cost.
CHOOSE IMAGES THAT SUIT THE PAPER
Inkjet works well on both coated and uncoated stocks with light to medium ink coverage. That said, paper choice plays a big role in how images appear. Uncoated stocks will produce a softer, more natural look, while coated stocks can improve clarity and definition. To learn more, read our blog on The Art of Paper Selection.
SIMPLE IMAGES OFTEN WORK BEST
Clean charts, line art, maps, and illustrations are excellent candidates for inkjet printing. These elements reproduce clearly and consistently, especially when they’re not overloaded with dense colour or fine gradients.
If your project includes a mix of text and imagery, optimizing images with inkjet in mind helps maintain visual consistency from page to page.
Optimizing images for inkjet isn’t about compromising quality, it’s about designing smarter for the press you’re using. With Friesens’ HP PageWide T250, thoughtful image preparation leads to reliable results while keeping production efficient and cost-effective.
