Abstract: A raster image processing system (20) for producing the appropriate number and set of halftoned color separations for a select output device (24) is disclosed. The raster image processing system (20) includes a processing unit (30), an interpreter (32) and a color combiner (34). The interpreter (32) and color combiner (34) are application processes that are controlled by software running on the processing unit (30). The processing unit (30) identifies the number and set of colorants used to describe input image data and the number and set of halftoned color separations that a select output imaging device (24) is capable of rendering. The interpreter (32) converts the input data describing an image that is composed of “N” colorants into “N” halftoned color separations. The color combiner (34) thereafter converts the N halftoned color separations into “M” halftoned color separations that are ideally suited for the particular output device (24) chosen by a user of the system.