Get started printing color with the DeskJet 500C and PageStream (Atari
ST/TT v2.1).


The file DSKJETC2.GFA was downloaded from the Soft-Logik BBS.  It took me
awhile to learn how to create and print color documents with the DJ 500C,
but it was well worth the effort.  Here's the results of my
experimentation.  I sure do appreciate the efforts of the GFA program's
author.


To use DskjetC2.gfa:

1. Create a pagestream.doc using colored lines, fills, text, etc. These
colors are assigned at the "line" and "fill style" drop down menus for the
selected objects.

2. You can import (and print in color) both color bit-mapped and object
files.  I have successfully tested the driver with Degas.PI3, NEO, and GIF
files (and remember the Spectrum to GIF convertor in the libraries). They
all print *beautifully* in color.

     a. a bit map will retain its palette when imported into PGS, even
though it will display in B&W. After importing the bit-map, select it as
an object and access the "edit-coordinates"(!) box to be sure that
"seperate" is selected.  See page 3.14 of the Manual regarding color
separation of bitmap pictures. 

     b. an "object" file (GEM, &?eps?) will append its colors to the PGS
(print) color palette.  You can save this palette and re-use these colors.
Object colors will be displayed when in a color screen resolution (ST Med
(not tested) and TT Med).

3. Load the PGS Deskjet print driver and set it to print to "disk file".

4. Print the PGS.doc to disk using "4-color separation" option.

5. Quit PGS

6. Run GFA35RO.PRG (the run-only module for GFA Basic 3.5)

7. Select DSKJETC2.GFA at the first item selector.

8. At the second item selector, select the PGS "printed.doc" that was
printed to disk in step 4.

9. Wait. Screen feedback will keep you posted on the progress. The DJ 500C
will print 1 page with colors-combined! It will be *beautiful*!


Have fun with this new dimension of creative computing.

                                       Marty Klein