Summary
From Imaging Engine version 18.0.1, the effect of using the "Keep 100%" option in curves is changed when applied to screens that use surface screening.
For more details, see:
This change also affects PressSync curves that have a "maximum" value set below 100%.
For details about how to use this "maximum" parameter in PressSync curves, see the Curve Pilot user manual: https://docs.esko.com/docs/en-us/Curve Pilot/18/userguide/home.html#en-us/common/cup/concept/co_cup_prsyncMinMaxVal.html.
This article describes:
- the changes in the behavior of PressSync curves when used in Imaging Engine 18.0.1 or later,
- how to have the old behavior with the new Imaging Engine version.
Behavior in Imaging Engine 18.0 and Earlier
When a standard PressSync curve with a "Max" value below 100% is used, solids will be screened at a gray level equal to this "Max" value.
In the example below, the PressSync curve selected for Cyan (F40) has a "Max" value set to 96%. When this curve is used to RIP a job, the solids/100% tones will be screened using a gray level of 96%.
You can see this in the curve below (X=100%, Y=96%).

New Behavior in Imaging Engine 18.0.1 and Later
From Imaging Engine 18.0.1 onwards, the "Max" value has a different effect: when a standard PressSync curve with a "Max" value below 100% is used, solids will not be adjusted to that maximum value, but will use the 100% level of the screen.
- For screens that do not use surface screening, solids will be kept as solids (not screened).
- For screens that use surface screening, solids will use the surface screening pattern defined for 100% in the screen.
However, tones just below 100% in the job (for example 99.9%) will be screened to a gray level equal to the "Max" value (for example 96%).
You can see this in Curve Pilot 18.0.1, when looking at a PressSync curve on a graph.
In the example below, you can see that for the tone just below 100%, the curve adjusts to 96%. For 100% however, the curve goes to 100%.

How to Obtain the Old Behavior in Imaging Engine 18.0.1 or Later
From Imaging Engine / Curve Pilot 18.0.1 onwards, all PressSync curves have the "Keep 100%" option selected by default. This means that 100% tones are kept solid (or screened with the pattern applicable to the 100% tones, when using a screen with surface screening effects).
For basic PressSync curves, it is not possible to change this. However, you can use Flexible PressSync curves to change the handling of the 100% tones.
From Curve Pilot 18.0.1 onwards, Flexible PressSync curves are included in the basic PressSync license.
How to Enable Flexible PressSync Curves and Change the "Keep100%" Option?
- Open the Curve Pilot and go to Edit > Preferences....
- Enable "Flexible PressSync".

- When Flexible PressSync is enabled, you will be able to set Flexible PressSync options when working with PressSync curves.
- In the PressSync curve set editor, click the "Select Curve Names..." button.
- Next to the PressSync letter and number, you will see a triangle button. Click this button to open a dialog containing the Flexible PressSync options.
- Here you can change the "Maximum Value" and the "Keep 100%" options.

- To have your curve handle the 100% tones as in previous versions, deselect the "Keep 100%" option.
When using this Flexible PressSync curve, solids will be screened at your "Maximum Value" (for example 96%).