2
2-1
Controlling printed color
This chapter provides information on the factors involved in controlling and managing
color output with the objective of achieving predictable color results, including:
• Controlling printed color
• Basics of color management
• DocuColor 40 CP color management
• Optional ICC color management on Mac OS and Windows computers
Controlling printed color
When working with color materials, whether they be presentations, illustrations, or
complicated page designs, you make aesthetic decisions about the colors you use. Once
you have decided on your goal, you then need to realize it in print. Your color printing
system becomes an ally in this creative process to the extent that you can get results
that are predictable.
• If you have designed a brochure to print on the DocuColor 40 CP, you want the
printed colors to match the design specification.
• If you are printing presentations on the DocuColor 40 CP, you want to preserve the
vivid colors in the monitor display.
• If you are working with color that will print on press, you want the
DocuColor 40 CP output to match prepress proofs or PANTONE color swatch
books.
The type of print job and the final print device, DocuColor 40 CP or offset press,
determine the methodology you use to achieve optimal results.
No matter what your goals are, two hardware factors always impact color print output:
print device consistency and the range of colors the print device can print, known as its
gamut. These factors are covered briefly in this chapter. Creating successful color
documents and presentations also requires an understanding of color management
software as it is implemented by the DocuColor 40 CP and on your desktop
computer. Most of this chapter is devoted to discussing the various elements of color
management that contribute to predictable color results.
Chapter 2:
Color
Management
