MakeQuad

MakeQuad is a software which creates profiles (quad files) for monochrome inkjet printing. The quad files are required by Quad Tone RIP (QTR) in order to control each ink channel individually when printing with selected Epson inkjet printers. The program has the following features.

Create linear ink distributions automatically in one go. Target linear, gamma or custom lightness curves in one go. Create custom ink distributions. Predict the lightness of ink distributions. Linearize ink distributions. Neutralize carbon ink distributions through a toner channel. Create quad files for QTR. Create quad files for one- and two-pass gloss overcoats. View existing quad files and linearize them.

MakeQuad can handle 8- and 10-channel Epson inkjet printers compatible with QTR, including the P700/P900. The program requires a calibration file which holds the characteristic parameters for each ink channel for a given paper. The calibration file can be created by MakeQuad from user-provided lightness data measured from the QTR calibration print. Some screen shots of MakeQuad v2.6 can be seen under Carbon Printing Advanced. Currently, MakeQuad is available only for Windows.

The new version 3.1 comes with new features and improvements.

• Digital negative: Create a quad file in one go.
  1. Print the QTR ink separation image on a transparency with OEM color or custom gray inks.
  2. Make a noble print (cyanotype, platinum, gum, etc.) from this transparency.
  3. Measure the lightness of the ink separation patches from the noble print.
  4. Enter these calibration data in MakeQuad and save a preset.
  5. Select the method 'auto', the desired contrast curve, and push the button to make the quad file.
  6. Print the negative of your image using this quad file.
  7.  Done.
  There is no need anymore to care about the negative itself as long as the process chain is kept constant.
• The pigment concentrations must not be known and need not be entered anymore.
• An new auto-toner function enables the automatic linearization including the toner for OBA-free papers.
• The automatic ink distribution now aims at a constant ink load for medium gray tones.
• The calibration error can be displayed.
• Minor bug fixes.

MQprint

Also available for Windows is the print tool MQprint. It provides all the printing features of QTR for Windows, but has a much larger preview area. Furthermore, images can be flipped and inverted (since version 1.2) for printing digital negatives.
Important note: QTR must be installed and users must comply with QTR's shareware license.