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COLOR MANAGEMENT

Introduction
CopyCat Print Shop is serious about accurate color reproduction at an affordable price. We have invested in technology and training to provide an accurate color proof for every process color job we produce. The information provided here is an explaination of the procedures we use and instructions for submitting color accurate digital artwork.

Color Basics
The goal of color management at CopyCat Print Shop is to provide a proof and reproduce on press, color that is true to the original document. Hindering this goal are two problems:

  • The range of colors (gamut) which can be reproduced via process color printing is much smaller than the gamut that exists in nature, or even that can be displayed on a computer monitor.
  • The process used to produce proofs (inkjet) is very different that the process used to produce the final product (offset printing).

The Solution
The solution is to accurately measure the gamut of each device (scanner, monitor, proofer, and press) and use software to compensate for the differences. Clearly, we still cannot reproduce on press all the colors that exist in nature, but by using the color management features of both our Scitex scanner and Rampage workflow, we can provide the best match possible. And we can provide a very accurate proof that shows you in advance just what you'll see in the finished product.

Submitting Color Accurate Digital Artwork
If you have a system or software (such as Adobe Photoshop) that supports color management via ICC profiles, you can use the 'USSheetfedCoated' or 'USSheetfedUncoated' profiles. This will allow you to preview on screen a more accurate version of what will be printed. The profiles can also be used with software such as Best Color to create reasonably accurate color inkjet proofs.

If you are producing a grayscale or spot colot project, use the '15% Gain' selection in Adobe PhotoShop when adjusting grayscale or duotone images.

Below is an example of the color settings dialog in Adobe PhotoShop with the above mentioned changes. Please consult your documentation for a detailed explanation of all the options before making changes to your system.