TRAP
Trap (Image>Trap) refers to overlap in printing that
avoids tiny alignment gaps due to what is called
misregistration. This is used in commercial systems
where a special color, ink, or coating is applied to a
substrate, or when printing with color plates. Trap-
ping is a kind of safety mechanism to prevent the
substrate from showing through if printing elements
aren’t perfectly aligned. Misregistration typically
looks like a thin border of the substrate next to a
spot or special ink, or when you see a sliver of one
color that doesn’t look like it belongs.
Setting up a file for trapping varies from process
to process, so it’s best to contact your print team
to get specific details on what they need you to do
with your file. Some may handle it internally, others
will need you to do a little extra work.ANALYSIS AND
MEASUREMENT LOG
Analysis (Image>Analysis) lets you take 2D mea-
surements from your image directly, and doesn’t
otherwise alter the visuals in your file. This feature
works with the Measurement Log panel (Window >
Measurement Log), and shows you the results of
measurements you’ve taken.
Typically, Analysis starts with the Ruler tool, but
you can take measurements from any selection. The
values recorded refer to everything visible on the
canvas, including transparent and blended areas—
important to know in case you’re attempting to do
analysis on a layered image.There are a few ways to use this feature. With the Ruler tool
(under the Eyedropper tool [I], or check under the extra tools in
the Toolbar), c li ck a starting point and then c li ck an end point,
and then, with the Measurement Log panel open, c li ck Record
Measurements at the top of the panel. You’ll get a readout of
the length (in pixels) of your line, as well as the angle (which also
shows in the Options Bar, along with the actual X and Y position,
and a width/height readout, as if your line were on opposite cor-
ners of a rectangle).
Using the new Object Selection tool (W), and holding
down the Shift key, you can add multiple objects to your selec-
tion. When you’ve made your selections and clicked Record> PHOTOSHOP USER>^ APRIL 2020[ 60 ]