A system's intrinsic mottle & graininess levels are either measured or predicted based on the knowledge of system states including material states and actuator states. The optimal amount of total graininess is then calculated based on established visual models or customer surveys. The difference between this optimal graininess and the machine's intrinsic graininess is then used to calculate the required addition of grainy noise to the print. This additional amount of grainy noise can be added to the print either through textured halftone screens or through noise injection into the input digital (contone) image.