CTP (Computer-to-Plate)

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Abbreviation for computer-to-plate imaging technology which helps to transfer a digital image generated in a computer directly to a printing plate. Before CTP, the technology used was computer-to-film (CTF), where the image output was passed to a photographic film, and the output film was then used to make the printing plate. This process lowers costs and shortens the amount of time needed to get a job on the press.