The Square Dot Shape can provide good detail in the very light and very dark areas, but its primary disadvantage is the high risk of Screen Structure Visibility. Because the square dots connect sharply and abruptly at the 50% tone mark, they create a noticeable grid pattern, compromising the illusion of continuous tone. This makes them generally less preferred for high-quality commercial print.

When using any dot shape, coordination with DGC (Dot Gain Compensation) in the RIP is essential. The specific connection behavior of the selected dot shape (whether round, elliptical, or square) dictates the required Dot Gain curve. The Prepress team must select the dot shape first and then calibrate the DGC accordingly to ensure that the final printed tones are accurate and that the negative effects of the dot shape (like structure visibility) are minimized.