The primary advantage of the Elliptical Dot Shape lies in its ability to produce smoother tonal gradients. Unlike the standard Round Dot, which connects abruptly around the 50% tonal area, the Elliptical Dot is designed to connect more gradually at two points, typically around 30% and 70% of the mid-tone.

This gradual connection prevents the sudden jump in tone (often called 'shoulder') that can be visible when using Round Dots. By distributing the dot connection across a wider tonal range, the Elliptical Dot provides significantly better control over Dot Gain in the critical mid-tone regions. This makes it the preferred setting in the RIP for images with subtle transitions, such as portraits or landscapes, ensuring high-quality output.