eSwatches FAQ
- What is a digital swatch?
- How is a digital swatch created?
- What are the two types of digital swatch?
- Does eSwatches retain ownership of my fabric swatches?
- How are digital swatches used in 2D and 3D applications?
- What is image Zooming?
- Can a CD be created featuring "zoomable" images?
- How closely will eSwatches replicate the colors and textures of my fabrics?
What is a digital swatch? eSwatches Digital Swatching technology produces an image that accurately represents your fabric's rich colors and textures. This technique produces a single set of high resolution master images from which web images, print images, even image maps to use on 2 and 3D models can all be created.
How is a digital swatch created? eSwatches employs high resolution cameras, advanced lighting, and custom staging to create the highest quality digital file attainable. The resulting file is then individually color corrected by a trained technician. The ultimate tool is the human eye performing a side-by-side comparison of the digital image to the actual swatch. This produces a high resolution master image that can be utilized in many ways including web images and print images.
What are the two types of digital swatch? The two types of digital image are planar, or flat, and wave.
The planar, or flat, image is evenly lit to permit tileing. It is useful as a fabric evaluation swatch, as a basis for image zooming on a website, and for 2D and 3D mapping. It is the basic digital swatch type available from eSwatches.
The wave, or undulant, swatch is drifted across the swatch area revealing the play of light on the fabric surface from changing angles. This approach emphasizes fabric finish in a way that cannot be captured in a planar approach. The result is an image that "romances" the fabric in a manner comparable to the best studio shot.
Does eSwatches retain ownership of my fabric swatches? All rights to your fabric swatches are transferred to you upon final payment. There is no further licensing fee, or other charge, unless some additional service is required. Your digital swatches are your property.
How are digital swatches used in 2D and 3D applications? Planar swatches can be tiled so that they may be seamlessly wrapped around 2D and 3D objects. An increasing number of 2D and 3D packages exist that will permit your customer to visualize your fabric as it would appear in use. Your eSwatches representative can help you select the package that will work best for you.
What is image Zooming? Image "zooming" is a technique that allows website visitors to magnify a swatch online, in increasing increments, down to thread level detail. Zooming technology allows you to take advantage of the high resolution and detail available from eSwatches in an online environment. Your eSwatches representative can discuss various options for the preparation of zoomable images for use on your website.
Can a CD be created featuring "zoomable" images? eSwatches can create CDs containing zoomable images of your fabrics for distribution to your customers. This can provide an entirely new method of promotion for special sales, or for the liquidation of discontinued product.
How closely will eSwatches replicate the colors and textures of my fabrics? The sole limiting factor in the color rendition of an eSwatches swatch is the quality of your monitor. The better your monitor, and the more precise your color calibration, the closer an eSwatch is to the actual fabric swatch. Each eSwatch is individually color corrected by a trained technician in a side-by-side comparison of the digital image to the actual swatch.