A comparison study of the implementation of digital camera's RAW and JPEG and scanner's TIFF file formats, and color management procedures for inkjet textile printing applications

The objective of this research was to evaluate the results and characteristics of utilizing different image file formats in inkjet textile printing. Two format files derived from digital camera (JPEG and RAW format files) and two TIFF format files derived from scanning the transparency films were sent through color management processes and adjustment procedures. These images files were then rendered on 100% cotton fabric using an inkjet textile printer.;The evaluation and analysis of the image files and textile patterns were based on visual assessment and measured values. The end result of this experiment was mainly to evaluate the image resolution, color difference, density and texture reproduction; specifically, outlining the advantages and disadvantages between different file formats for digital textile printing application.;The investigation indicated that the JPEG, RAW, and TIFF format files appeared to have discrepancy in the original image file, and also had difference in color accuracy when reproducing on cotton fabric, but showed similar results in printable density range, print contrast, and texture reproduction.;Photographing in the RAW file format and then converting to the TIFF file format ensures the image of having robust editing capability and precise print result in color accuracy. If using JPEG file format, users must caution the posterization phenomenon and discontinuous tone problem. For transparency film, either scanning in original size and then applying interpolation twice from the original size or scanning directly in target size results in similar performance. However, to achieve color accuracy, users should consider utilizing digital camera and avoid using film in the workflow.;The digital textile printing provides a new and easier approach and lowers the boundary for entering the textile printing industry. This technology makes the product customization and one-of-a-kind short run become possible. However, when entering this field, the new users certainly will encounter the problems immediately related to the different image file formats. This research offers a resolution to answer the question about different file formats.