When you print a snapshot of selected viewports directly to a PostScript printer or save it in a PostScript or Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) file, ABAQUS/CAE creates either a vector or raster representation of the image (for more information, see “Printed image formats,” Section 8.1.1).

Vector representation images are resolution independent, so their quality depends only on the resolution of your printer.

For PostScript and EPS images, you can use the Resolution field in the corresponding options dialog box to specify the resolution of the image you save or print. At higher resolution, raster images appear to be smoother and less jagged. Low-resolution vector images may have holes if scaled to a larger size.

Although a higher resolution image has higher quality, more data are required to define the image; the resulting file can consume a large amount of disk space. A lower resolution image will normally print and display faster. In general, you should select the lowest resolution that still produces an acceptable image. You may want to save a lower resolution image while you produce draft copies of your work and switch to a higher resolution for the finished version.

The resolution of your printer sets an upper limit on the printed image resolution. For example, if you save an image at a resolution of 600 dots per inch (dpi) and print it on a printer that has a resolution of 300 dpi, the printed image will have a resolution of only 300 dpi.

Raster representation image quality may also be affected by changes you make to the image with external software after the image has been created, such as scaling and rotation. Scaling and rotation may distort a raster image. Consequently, before you print a raster representation of your image, you should adjust the viewports on your canvas to match the dimensions and orientation that will appear in the final application. Scaling and rotation do not distort or diminish the quality of vector representation images.

For vector representation PostScript and EPS images, you can use the Shading Quality field in the corresponding options dialog box to specify the quality of the lighting on curved surfaces in the image. This option does not affect the image resolution or the file size. A finer shading quality will produce an image closer to the raster representation. A coarser shading quality will normally print and display faster. Similar to the resolution for raster images, you should select the coarsest shading quality that still produces an acceptable image.

Vector PostScript and EPS images do not support translucency; all translucent or transparent objects will appear opaque when printed using vector PostScript or EPS format.