The aim of the Color Management System is to correct the differences between the original image file and the way the inks and printing media print that image file. Some combinations of inks and media will be able to produce most colors accurately, while other combinations will not. The profile created is used to restructure the image data file in order to compensate, as best as possible, for the inaccuracies and for the way the media and ink print. If the ink does not have the ability to produce a certain color or shade, the color management software will produce the closest color match possible. It will establish the proper amount of each color ink needed to produce a gray, as well as all the colors. The basic concept of this system may be called "the action of creating complimentary non-linearities."

The question you might ask is, how do the ink heads know how much of each color ink to use in order to produce all the different colors? 

The answer to this question is--- through the creation of a profile.

What is a printer profile?

A printer profile is a file called an ICC, that designates the amount of blend of each color ink needed to form a color. This file is created with the use of color management software.

Why do I need a RIP? Isn't what is supplied by the print manufacturer good enough?

Each printer may have different characteristics do to the fact that the print heads are not made to matched standards. The atmospheric conditions of each location the printer is being used can effect its performance. Low altitude, high altitude, and variances in humidity are some factors. Each batch of print media can have coating differences. 

Printer manufactures do not support third part materials or ink and do the best to prevent you from using them and being creative. Each of us has our favorite media and most of the time it is from a third party company.

To think that you can adjust for ink lay down and color differentials by working Photoshop curves is intense. While you might find a few media that you can work with the same profile, most of the time you the differences are too great.

A third part RIP allows you to work with any combination you want. It gives you complete control and by choosing cost effective media and ink you can save a bundle, well beyond the cost of the RIP in a year. 

What is the part a RIP plays in making a profile?

I cannot tress the importance of a good RIP. The RIP has many functions of which the control of the amount of ink lay down is one. The RIP must be able to limit the amount of ink laid down to prevent excessive use causing blistering, blotching, and blocked up shadows. Each RIP handles this task a little differently. Ideally you want to limit each color ink independently to its highest density on each media to obtain the widest overall gamut. This means that Cyan might have to be limited by 15%, while magenta might be limited by 25% in order to reach its highest density before the densities flatten out. 

After limiting the ink, you must linearize the amount of ink from 0 to 100%. This is basically like a stepped  gray scale of each color. 

How is a profile made?

The Making of a Profile: After the RIP has been linearized, a  chart of colors is printed out and with the use of a spectrophotometer read into the color management software. The printed data is compared to the original data sent by the software and a map data file of the entire printable color spectrum of your media and ink is created. This map is called an ICC profile. 

How do I control the black ink?

The new color management software has a feature that allows you to control black independently from the color channels. You can control the black to enter only in the shadows and vary the percentage of black from zero to 100 percent. All this information of control can only be used in making CMYK or multi-channel profiles, not in RGB. 

What must I know about black ink control?

Black ink is used to replace color in the shadows in order to reduce the amount of total ink used aiding in the increase of shadow detail. It is also used to increase the density of 3/4 tones. Solid Colors may not be deep enough without the addition of black ink. If too much black ink is used it may overpower color resulting in abnormal looking over darkened shadows.

Can there be too much or too little black used?

Too much black used will decrease color gamut. Too little black used can cause a flatter image.

How do I know how much black to use and how it should blend with color?

The answer relates to the dynamics of the media and ink; not to mention experience. These are some of the special topic that we teach in our seminars.

Where do I place the ICC Profile?

The profile may be used in either Photoshop or in the RIP. The conversion engine (software) contained in Photoshop and in the RIP applies that profile data to the image file in order to correct the file for printing.

It is sometimes thought that you can simply gray balance the ink and avoid making a profile. Please be aware that even if you can set curves to create a gray balance it does not mean that all or any colors will print accurately.  

For example: If, in order to produce a middle tone gray, more magenta ink is needed, and in order to produce a middle tone brown, more green ink is needed,  the profile will map the colors to accomplish this result. However, this can not be accomplished by simply using color correcting filters, because while you would be correcting one color, you would be adversely effecting another, or in this case, if you add green and then you add magenta you have effectively cancelled each one with the other. 

Another example: If a media appears to have a yellowish white, the image will tend to print neutrals more yellow and light shades of blue will not print accurately. The profile will have the ink heads print more blue to compensate for the yellowish media.

Our Color Management Packages

Color management packages come in different degrees of control and range in price. We have put together packages that will fit your need at the best price. Our packages come with road maps to success. The idea is that we have taken the guess work out of the system for you. We are always testing new technology. You will be seeing new information from our studies on our site.