A method of engraving which accommodates changes in copper hardness, variations in head linearities, worn stylus, and the like. The method involves the cutting of midtone test cells, as well as highlight and full width test cells. The widths of the test cells are measured and used to establish slopes and offsets for adjustment lines, which in turn are applied inversely to transform a desired cell width into an engraving drive signal. The technique assures that the computed engraving drive signal which will produce the desired cell width.