Analysis of some common mistakes in color management system.

Nowadays, the application of color management is more and more popular, but in the actual use, many clients take it improperly, and made different mistakes. Here we will give you some examples of common mistakes and explain them to you.

1, Color management systems (CMS) are more than just software.
The broad range of color management includes operating systems that support color management (such as Apple computer and Microsoft windows, etc.), color management software (or color management module /Colour, Management, Module-CMM), Device profile (deviceprofile), Application software (supports color management, such as Photoshop5, Freehand8, Quark, Xpress4 etc.), and relates to the production process of all hardware devices, such as computer, monitor, printing machine and color measurement instruments and so on. An effective color management system should also include process planning except tools.

2, color management system is only used by large companies.
Color management systems do not necessarily require huge investments. Now a complete color management tools can be from hundreds to thousands dollars or more. The quality of color management is not certainly different from the tools of several hundred dollars to tens of thousands.

3, color management is not in line with traditional printing.
Color management can not only be published on the desk, but also in combination with traditional printing. Although it is easier to publish color management on the desk, as long as the traditional equipment is controlled and standardized, it can be used as a feature file of traditional manufacturing , thus integrating into the color management.


4, only experts use color management.
The market has color management tools for professional users, as well as tools for general users. Usually, color management tools are accompanied by manuals. Users follow the instructions to learn and absorb experience gradually, and they can also manage color management successfully.

5,color management is only theoretical and impractical.
Although available for only a few years in the color management system of open architecture, but the related knowledge has development for decades, the color management software can be combined with the actual working condition, design is quite comprehensive, over the past few years, there are also some reports of real case, that is the reality of the color management.


6, all color management software are not much different.
Although most color management software supports ICC, they can be very different. First, the color management software may have different precision, such as the manufacturing characteristics of files, some software only ten number calculation, some will be calculated by the number of color. Second, color management software can be used in different ways for color conversion (Gamutmapping). Third, the efficiency of the software, some software packages choose a special location for color conversion, the purpose is to increase efficiency. Fourth, some packages are used by experts or researchers, with more and more complex settings, while others are designed for average users and are easier to operate.

7, feature files are timeless.
The feature file describes the performance of a device for processing colors. After a period of time, the equipment has been changed due to the old condition, so it is necessary to re-establish the feature file for the equipment periodically. The old feature files can be removed so as not to cause confusion.
8, color management, such as magic wand, can reproduce 100% color.


Color management is not magic, and can not reproduce 100% of the original color (assuming that originals and reproductions are different media). But through the monitor, color management can preview to the user (Softproofing), also is very important for the company, color management is to ensure that each producing can make a consistent effect.


9, color management can improve the performance of equipment.
Color management is only the calibration of equipment and the characterization of the required equipment (Characterization), so that color management module (CMM) color conversion. Color management only allows the device to play properly and output accurate color, and can not make the device output beyond its color range.