RIP (rasterization)

In desktop publishing (DTP), RIP stands for "Raster Image Processor".

It's like a translator for your printer, turning digital images and text into a language that your printer understands. When you send a file to print, the RIP breaks it down into tiny dots (rasterizing) and tells the printer where to put each dot to create your design. It also manages colors, making sure they come out just right. Essentially, the RIP takes your digital file and makes it ready for printing, ensuring that your final printed piece looks like what you see on your screen.