As mentioned above, in each of the following embodiments, the processes are performed while focusing on the gradation values. In this regard, it is assumed that a maximum gradation value is 1, and that a minimum gradation value is 0. A state in which the ink is applied to the base material at a maximum ink density corresponds to the maximum gradation value, and a state in which the ink is not applied to the base material corresponds to the minimum gradation value. That is, the maximum gradation value corresponds to the solid patch PA2, and the minimum gradation value corresponds to the paper white patch PA1. When the gradation values and dot percentages are associated with each other, for example, a gradation value of 1 corresponds to a dot percentage of 100%, a gradation value of 0.5 corresponds to a dot percentage of 50%, and a gradation value of 0 corresponds to a dot percentage of 0%.