# Definition: Screen Frequency

This applies to imageset and printed output. It has no connection with the computer’s monitor screen. Screen frequency is often called just 'screen'. Printers and printing machines reproduce tints of a basic ink color as small dots arranged in rows. Screen frequency is the spacing of these rows and is usually measured in lines per inch (lpi). A desktop laser printer often has a coarse screen of about 60 lpi and the individual dots are noticeable. Imageset output is normally 100 to 150 lpi and you need a magnifying glass to see the dots. For imageset output, your print shop can tell you the screen frequency to use.