5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said actual page description language file size comprises at least one of: the amount of text information, amount of plate imaging information, and number of plates.
1. A method for determining an estimated amount of time required to complete raster image processing of an actual page description language file having a predetermined size, without performing actual raster image processing of the actual page description language file, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a test data file that includes a first non-rotated, non-scaled image file, a rotated, non-scaled image file, a non-rotated, scaled image file, each of these files having substantially the same file size, and a second non-rotated, non-scaled image file of a different file size; (b) performing raster image processing on each of said above files, performing raster image processing on each of two graduated fills of two different areas, performing raster image processing on each of two patterned fills of two different areas, performing raster image processing on each of two radial fills of two different areas, and performing raster image processing on each of two page description language files of two different file sizes, thereby creating a timing data profile that includes performance information in units of processing time per file size for each type of said above files, including image files and page description language files, and in units of processing time per unit area for each of said above types of fills, including a graduated fill, a patterned fill, and a radial fill; (c) examining said actual page description language file by determining, for each image of said actual page description language file, its size, whether it is scaled or non-scaled, and whether it is rotated or non-rotated, and determining the area for each computer generated graduated fill, patterned fill, and radial fill; (d) determining the total combined size of all image files of the actual page description language file and multiplying said total combined size by said performance information of the timing data profile in processing time per file size, and determining the total combined area of all computer generated fills by respective type and multiplying said total combined area by said performance information of the timing data profile in processing time per unit area by respective type, thereby creating an estimated first time period; (e) measuring the size of said actual page description language file and multiplying said actual page description language file size by said performance information the timing data profile in said page description language file processing time per file size, thereby creating an estimated second time period; and (f) combining said first time period and said second time period to create an estimate of the total time required to complete raster image processing.