B
B-1
Color Management
This appendix provides information on controlling and managing color output in
order to achieve predictable color results. It also discusses the basics of color
management.
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 results are predictable.
• If you designed a poster to print on the Fiery 3850C, you want the printed colors to
match the design specification.
• If you are printing presentations on the Fiery 3850C, you want to preserve the vivid
colors you see on your monitor.
• If you are working with color that will be printed on an offset press, you want the
Fiery 3850C output to match other prepress proofs or PANTONE color swatch
books.
The type of print job and the final print device, Fiery 3850C or offset press, determine
the methodology you use to achieve the best results.
No matter what your goals are, two factors always impact color print output: print
device consistency and the range of colors the device can print, known as its gamut.
These concepts 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 Fiery 3850C 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.
Appendix B:
Color
Management
