Abstract: A method for fabricating an encoder containing a plurality of registration markings per unit distance for use as a registration reference, for instance for a print head of a printer. The registration markings being aligned in a longitudinal direction. In one preferred method of practicing the invention a polymer substrate on which the encoder is to be imprinted is first provided. An optical imagesetter device is utilized which includes a cylindrical drum and a controllable light source for directing light toward the cylindrical drum. The cylindrical drum includes a surface for receiving the polymer substrate and an axis of rotation. After the polymer substrate is retained upon the drum surface, an image of the encoder is projected upon the retained polymer substrate wherein the longitudinal axis of the encoder being angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation.