An already-dithered picture contains a planned pattern of black and white dots. Before sending it through another image-processing step, inspect it at the intended physical size. In a supported LightBurn setup, compare Pass-Through with the normal processed preview; do not assume applying a second dithering method will add detail.
An owner question about Pass-Through mode describes this persistent problem. The official Image Mode documentation explains that Pass-Through preserves preprocessed image data, with interval and density tied to image dimensions. This is a software behavior, not a P2 exposure recommendation.
Decide whether the dots were intentional
Ask the supplier for the continuous-tone original and the intended finished size. Zoom into the delivered file. A deliberate dot pattern differs from a compressed photograph that merely looks blocky. If its history is unknown, keep both files and avoid overwriting the delivery while experimenting.
Consider a hypothetical 600-pixel-wide preprocessed image intended to occupy 50.8 mm. That corresponds to 300 pixels per inch because 50.8 mm is two inches. Doubling the physical width spreads the same pixels over four inches. This arithmetic describes the image, not achievable P2 resolution. Resizing after the dots have been prepared changes their physical relationship.
Compare copies before comparing blanks
Name one copy “preserved pattern” and one “processed comparison.” Keep their physical dimensions equal. Inspect fine diagonal edges and a middle-tone patch in both previews. Record whether dots join, disappear, or form a new repeating texture. Do not decide solely from a thumbnail, where display scaling may conceal the change.
| P2 input check | Preserve | Verify separately |
|---|---|---|
| Original preprocessed file | Delivered pixel dimensions | Intended physical dimensions |
| Pass-Through comparison | Existing dot arrangement | Installed software and device support |
| Physical sample | Same documented compatible blank | Focus and approved baseline process |
If the intended size changes, return to the continuous-tone original and create a new preprocessed version at the new size. If that original is unavailable, disclose the limitation and approve a new sample rather than promising identical detail.
For shadows that remain indistinct even with the dot pattern preserved, the three-tone proof separates image preparation from surface response. If the unexpected line exists in a vector fill preview instead of a bitmap, use the offset-fill artifact check; it concerns a different operation.
Keep software settings separate from P2 capability
The TYVOK P2 is a compact galvo personalization product. Apply this comparison only in the current supported software workflow. Pass-Through does not establish material compatibility, suppress smoke, fix an unstable blank or guarantee that dots resolve on the chosen surface. Follow documented protection and extraction procedures for any supervised sample.
Can I freely change DPI after selecting Pass-Through?
Treat pixel count, physical size and interval as linked. Check the documented behavior in the installed version; an independent density change would conflict with preserving the original pixel arrangement.
Does a black-and-white PNG always need Pass-Through?
No. A simple two-color logo and an externally dithered photograph are different inputs. Identify how the file was prepared and compare previews before choosing processing.
