Simulation of preprinted forms

A non-transitory computer-readable medium tangibly embodying programmed instructions which, when executed by a computer system, are operable to execute a method of combining features of a bitmap first image and features of a second bitmap image, the method comprising:

• receiving the first bitmap image as a background of a form, the bitmap image including a plurality of printable features corresponding to positions of the bitmap image;
• receiving the second bitmap image as fill-in data to be filled in to the form, the second bitmap image including a second plurality of printable features corresponding to positions of the bitmap image, wherein the second plurality of printable features each have an assigned ink transparency;
• blending a feature of the first bitmap image with a corresponding feature of the second bitmap image based on the assigned ink transparencies to form a blended feature, wherein blending comprises:
• factoring a color of a printable feature and a color of a second printable feature by the ink transparency;
• and combining the factored color and the color of a first printable feature to obtain a final color for the blended image;
• and
• combining the blended feature to form a blended image that blends the first and the second bitmap images and is suitable for printing.

A method of combining features of a first bitmap image and features of a bitmap second image, the method comprising:

• a print controller receiving the first bitmap image as a background of a form, the bitmap image including a plurality of printable features corresponding to positions of the bitmap image;
• the print controller receiving the second bitmap image as fill-in data to be filled in to the form, the second bitmap image including a second plurality of printable features corresponding to positions of the bitmap image, wherein the second plurality of printable features each have an assigned ink transparency;
• the print controller blending a feature of the first bitmap image with a corresponding feature of the second bitmap image based on the assigned ink transparencies to form a blended feature, wherein blending comprises factoring a color of a printable feature and a color of a second printable feature by the ink transparency and combining the factored color and the color of a first printable feature to obtain a final color for the blended image;
• and
• the print controller combining the blended feature to form a blended image that blends the first and the second bitmap images and is suitable for printing.