Evaluating output quality
This section offers some practical advice for conducting your own print quality evaluation. First, you will
develop a group of sample documents that represent what a typical user would print. This is the best method
for determining if a product is suited to your needs. Then you will evaluate the print quality of the output.
Creating samples
It is important to test files like those that will be printed on the device. Your samples should include multiple
documents and file types, sent from applications commonly used in your environment. The samples should
have different elements (text, graphics, and images) and should vary in complexity and page length. Some
suggested content includes:
Simple text documents May include e-mail messages, memos, or a spreadsheet report, printed on plain office paper
Mixed text and graphics May include newsletters, PowerPoint presentations printed on transparencies, or marketing
materials printed on heavy paper
Images May include photographic images and advanced graphics (using overlays or fill patterns), printed
on photo paper
Simple text
documents
Mixed text
and graphics
Images
Evaluation guidelines
Before you print the sample documents, make sure that your test environment simulates the end user’s and
that you make a fair comparison between products. Follow the guidelines below:
Evaluate a product from the end user’s perspective.
• Print from computers that closely match the typical end user’s.
• Test print features (collation, document formatting, etc.).
• Test and compare default settings. (What settings will the end user use most often?)
When evaluating more than one product, it is crucial that you make a fair comparison between products.
• Print the same files on all products, in the same operating environment (constant temperature and
humidity), using the same computer, operating system, software application, print settings or modes, and
paper type to test all products. Be sure to test comparable print drivers. Each of these components
interacts with the printing process and can affect print speed and quality.
• Test more than one software application to make sure software/driver conflicts are not affecting print
quality.
• Plain papers vary among brands and the regions in which they are manufactured. Some plain papers
have a preferred print side. You should also take into account storage conditions as well as how the
papers handle toner.
Output quality 13
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