How to Print Film Positives in CorelDRAW

Outputting screen printing film positives directly from CorelDRAW eliminates the need for expensive third-party RIP software by utilizing the program's built-in print separation engine and driver controls. This guide outlines the essential steps to prepare vector artwork, configure color separations, apply halftone settings, and adjust your printer properties to achieve solid, high-density black films directly onto transparency media.

1. Prepare Your Artwork

To generate clear separations, your design must be structured correctly before opening the print menu:

  • Use Spot Colors or Pure Black: If printing a multi-color job, assign each color to a specific Spot Color palette (such as Pantone) rather than RGB or CMYK process colors. For single-color jobs, color your vector objects with 100% Black (C:0, M:0, Y:0, K:100).
  • Convert Bitmaps: If using raster images, convert them to monochrome 1-bit or grayscale images so CorelDRAW can apply halftone screens or solid black outputs accurately.

2. Configure the CorelDRAW Print Dialog

Navigate to File > Print and ensure your target inkjet or laser printer is selected. Then, configure the specific print tabs:

The Color Tab

  • Select Separations in the output options instead of "Composite." This tells CorelDRAW to output a distinct page for each color layer used in the document.

The Separations Tab

  • Activate Plates: Check the boxes only for the spot colors or the black plate you wish to print. Deselect empty CMYK process plates.
  • Halftone Settings (PostScript/Supported Printers): If your printer driver supports PostScript, you can set the Lines Per Inch (LPI), screen angles, and dot shapes (such as ellipse or round) directly in this window. A common baseline for standard screen printing is 45–55 LPI at a 22.5° or 25° angle.

The Prepress Tab

  • Registration Marks: Check Print registration marks to automatically include alignment targets outside the art boundary.
  • Labels: Check Print page information so each film prints with the color name and job title for easy identification in the darkroom.

3. Adjust Printer Properties for Maximum Ink Density

Films require maximum UV opacity to block light during screen exposure. Standard document print settings will not lay down enough ink.

  1. In the Print dialog, click the Gear icon or Properties button next to your printer selection.
  2. Go to the Media Type setting and change it to Premium Glossy Photo Paper or Transparency. This slows the print head down and increases ink volume.
  3. Set the print quality to High or Best Quality.
  4. In the advanced or color management tab of your printer driver, select Grayscale and disable all color correction features to prevent the driver from dithering your solid blacks.

4. Output the Film

Click Print Preview to verify that your separations, registration marks, and halftones appear properly on individual sheets. Once verified, load your waterproof film positive media into your printer (ensuring the coated, sticky side faces the print head) and send the print job.