color calibra tion

Color Calibration and Profiling v1.0

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On completion of this module you will have developed an understanding of monitor and printer profiling and calibration procedures using EFI Color Profiler. The specific areas and applications covered are:

Calibrator

Profile Manager

Color Setup

Color Editor


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Module Training Overview

Target audience will be:

Any technician who completed "Basic Color 2" module in Professional level, or technicians studying to become a color specialist. This module helps to develop an understanding of color calibration and profiling using EFI ColorWise software.

Attainment Targets:

• To understand the calibration and profiling process.

• To understand the method of monitor calibration and how to create monitor profiles using the ES-1000.

• To be able to adjust monitor settings using Adobe Gamma.

© by KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC


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Contents

1 Monitor Outlines

1.1 What is Monitor Calibration 5

1.2 What is Monitor Profiling 5

1.3 Workflow 5

1.4 Policy 6

1.4.1 Frequency of Monitor Calibration 6

1.4.2 Frequency of Monitor Profiling 6

2 Monitor Calibration and Profiling

2.1 Knowledge before Monitor Calibration 7

2.1.1 Necessity of Monitor Calibration and Profiling 7

2.1.2 Monitor Calibration and Profiling Devices 7

2.2 Actual Procedure 9

2.2.1 Select Monitor Type 9

2.2.2 Calibrate ES-1000 10

2.2.3 Choose Calibration Settings 11

2.2.4 Position ES-1000 13

2.2.5 Adjust Brightness and Contrast (CRT Only) 14

2.2.6 Measure Monitor Color Gamut and Characteristics 14

2.2.7 Save ICC Profile 15

2.2.8 Check Applied Monitor Profile 16

2.3 Simple Monitor Calibration with Adobe Gamma 17

2.3.1 What is Adobe Gamma 17

2.3.2 How to use Adobe Gamma 17


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3 Printer Outlines

3.1 What is Printer Calibration 20

3.2 What is Printer Profiling 21

3.3 Workflow 21

3.4 Policy 22

3.4.1 Frequency of Printer Calibration 22

3.4.2 Frequency of Printer Profiling 22

4 Printer Calibration

4.1 Knowledge Required 23

4.1.1 Printer Calibration Mechanism 23

4.1.2 Printer Calibration Necessity 23

4.1.3 Printer Calibration Devices 23

4.2 Actual Procedure 24

4.2.1 Workflow 24

5 Printer Profiling

5.1 Knowledge Required 25

5.1.1 Introduction to EFI Color Profiler 25

5.1.2 Necessity of Printer Profiling 25

5.1.3 Workflow 26

5.1.4 Printer Profiling Devices 27

5.1.5 Workflow 28

5.1.6 Print Measurements Page 29

5.1.7 Measure Measurements Page 33

5.1.8 How to get Measurement Results with ES-1000 34

5.1.9 Create Profile 36

5.1.10 Caution 37


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1 Monitor Outlines

1.1 What is Monitor Calibration

Calibration is the process where the monitor is placed into some predetermined standard either by manually adjusting its controls or by using dedicated calibration hardware. The monitor is not a stable device and is prone to drift from its initial parameters over time, the calibration process creates a condition which can be standardized and is repeatable.

When the monitor settings are unchanged from the factory defaults, the white points, brightness, contrast and gamma values are not set to a standard, and images viewed on the screen will not be consistent with other calibrated monitors or output devices. A calibrated monitor has a far better chance of obtaining predictable results, however the monitor will most likely drift out over time and will need to be recalibrated. The older a monitor gets, the more frequently calibration is required.

1.2 What is Monitor Profiling

Monitor Profiling is achieved after the calibration process by saving a description of how a particular monitor reproduces color. The profile achieves this by describing to the color management system (CMS) the color space of the device through the process of calibration. We should also be aware that if the monitor changes its behavior (drifts out of its calibrated state), the profile is no longer valid. Calibration returns the monitor back to the original condition, maintaining the integrity of the profile. This is achievable only if the monitor remains consistent, if the monitor can no longer reach the original target, a new target profile, within the capability of the monitor must be created.

1.3 Workflow

Calibration and profiling work hand in hand. The procedure is to first calibrate the monitor and then save the characteristics of the monitor as a profile.

First calibrate the monitor, and then an ICC profile will be created.


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1.4 Policy

1.4.1 Frequency of Monitor Calibration

As each monitor manufacturer builds to their own standard, the quality of workmanship may vary considerably – this can contribute to the frequency of expected calibration. When a monitor is purchased, its factory settings are usually incorrect so it is recommended to calibrate before any important color work. Frequent calibration should be performed initially after purchase, possibly every day if there is critical color work performed. As the monitor settles, less frequent calibration is necessary, perhaps every week or once per month according to the quality of the device and the type of work being performed. As the life of the monitor nears its end (after a number of years), more frequent calibration is once again required.

1.4.2 Frequency of Monitor Profiling

Each time monitor calibration takes place, Color Profiler saves the new profile in the appropriate place within the operating system folder. Therefore at each calibration frequency a new monitor profile is created. The default naming of the saved profile shows the date, which assists in knowing when the last calibration took place.

Profile with date stamp in name.


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2 Monitor Calibration and Profiling

2.1 Knowledge before Monitor Calibration

2.1.1 Necessity of Monitor Calibration and Profiling

Color is a critical component in any workflow, the necessity of obtaining consistent color on a day to day basis is paramount for any color managed workflow. When proofing a job on the screen, decisions are made regarding color balance, in either CMYK, RGB or Spot Color. To have the printed output closely match the screen proof, requires a carefully color managed workflow in which monitor calibration and profiling is just one link in the chain.

Monitor calibration is also necessary amongst the network of computers on which the job may be viewed. Each monitor will need to be conformed to the same standard using a consistent device such as a hardware calibrator.

Calibrating and profiling involves adjusting the monitor’s luminance (brightness and contrast), white point and black points, color temperature and the color response characteristics including the gamma curve for each color channel (red, green, and blue). The calibration software will display a series of color patches on the screen, which is then read using a colorimeter or spectrophotometer such as the ES-1000. All this information then goes into the resulting display profile to enable the CMS on your computer to properly compensate for the peculiarities of how your monitor responds to color.

The profile which is shipped as standard with the monitor is considered to be generic to that monitor type. A batch of monitors manufactured at the same time can quite possibly show variations in display characteristics and change at different rates – the profile shipped with these monitors will be based on an average and not specific to your own one.

2.1.2 Monitor Calibration and Profiling Devices

Until recently the most common way for calibrating the monitor was to visually calibrate using Operating System software or third party software such as Adobe Gamma. Now, particularly in professional DTP, hardware calibrators are standard methods for achieving consistent color which don’t rely on subjective observation.

Systems, such as GretagMacbeth's Eye-One Monitor or ColorVision's Monitor Spyder LCD/CRT packages, which measure your monitor with either a spectrophotometer or colorimeter are common on the market.

The ES-1000 Spectrometer, which operates with the EFI Color Profiler for Monitors software allows hardware measurement of color patches on the monitor which is then saved as an ICC profile.


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ES-1000 Spectometer

EFI Color Profiler for Monitors is software designed to deliver accurate color output on Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technologies. Interactive instructions make profiling simple: attach the high precision EFI Spectrometer ES-1000 to the monitor, and let EFI Color Profiler for Monitors automatically measure the monitor’s full color gamut. The result is a standard ICC profile that is properly installed in your computer and ready to interact with color software. Because your system now understands how colors are displayed, you can accurately soft proof your documents on screen.

EFI Color Profiler.


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2.2 Actual Procedure

2.2.1 Select Monitor Type

The Color Profiler allows for the selection of either a LCD or CRT monitor. This is the first procedure when calibrating, choose from either selection when prompted (see sample below).

Monitor type choices, here LCD is shown being selected.

Workflow (LCD)

1. Select monitor type

2. Calibrate ES-1000

3. Calibration settings

4. Position ES-1000 on screen

5. Measuring

6. Save ICC profile

Workflow (CRT)

1. Select monitor type

2. Calibrate ES-1000

3. Calibration settings


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4. Position ES-1000 on screen

5. Calibrate Contrast

6. Calibrate Brightness

7. Measuring

8. Save ICC profile

2.2.2 Calibrate ES-1000

The spectrometer is a handheld, color-measurement device. It measures the full visible spectrum of light reflected from color samples. The EFI Spectrometer can also be used as a densitometer to measure daily color fluctuations of the printer for calibration purposes. When used to create ICC profiles, the EFI Spectrometer measures up to 928 color patches to ensure accurate measurement results.

Calibrating the ES-1000.

Before starting to measure the color samples, you are prompted to place the EFI Spectrometer on the calibration cradle. White point calibration is used to calibrate the spectrometer and to compensate for gradual drifts in the instrument.

When prompted to place the EFI Spectrometer in the calibration cradle, make sure the EFI Spectrometer aperture is in full contact with the white tile on the calibration cradle. If you do


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not place it correctly in the calibration cradle, the EFI Spectrometer does not return accurate measurements.

2.2.3 Choose Calibration Settings

Gamma controls the overall brightness of the monitor, the 2 inbuilt standards Macintosh (1.8) and Windows (2.2) are available as well as other default settings.

Gamma menu settings.

Specify from the Whitepoint and Gamma menus your intended target values. Native settings reflect the factory defaults of your particular monitor, otherwise choose from settings which give a warm or cool tint. The Medium setting is usually the most neutral.

Whitepoint menu settings.


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Calibration settings screen with Whitepoint and Gamma menus (Whitepoint is active).


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2.2.4 Position ES-1000

Lay the ES-1000 over the front of the monitor. The device needs to have the flat side facing the screen. Once activated, the software will control the ES-1000 as it reads color and density information from your monitor, it will notify you when this procedure is complete.

Color Profiler showing position of ES-1000.


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2.2.5 Adjust Brightness and Contrast (CRT Only)

The first step in calibrating your monitor is finding the best contrast. Most monitors offer the possibility to adjust contrast and brightness. You will find these controls on the front panel, or in the On Screen Display (OSD) of your monitor.

On Screen Display settings of brightness and contrast.

2.2.6 Measure Monitor Color Gamut and Characteristics

A monitor has the ability of displaying up to 16.7 million colors (although not all at once), this is also dependent on the capability of the video card installed. The ES-1000 will measure a set number of sample colors ranging from pure white to pure black, including the standard primaries (Red, Green and Blue), complimentaries (Cyan, Magenta and Yellow), and mixes of the primaries and complimentary colors. This process is automated and usually takes under 5 minutes to complete.

ES-1000 in the process of measuring the monitor screen colors.


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2.2.7 Save ICC Profile

When prompted, give the new profile a unique name (or use the default which has the date as part of the name). Click the right arrow and the profile will be saved in the appropriate folder of your operating system. A notification will appear to show where the profile has been saved.

Save profile.


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2.2.8 Check Applied Monitor Profile

When saving the profile, check the directory where the file will be saved. Color Profiler will save the file in the appropriate place, and will tell you for future reference.

Save profile.


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2.3 Simple Monitor Calibration with Adobe Gamma

2.3.1 What is Adobe Gamma

Adobe Gamma is a Windows Control Panel which comes with Adobe Photoshop. The software is a visual calibration device which relies on subjective interpretation of White Point, Black Point and Brightness/Contrast settings. It is a low cost method of monitor calibration and good results can be obtained, however it is subjective and not as accurate as a hardware solution.

You access Adobe Gamma by clicking on Start > Settings > Control Panel.

2.3.2 How to use Adobe Gamma

Adobe Gamma can use a simple Wizard step-by-step process to create an ICC profile.

Adobe Gamma.

1. Give the profile a unique descriptive name that will appear in application pop-up menus.


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Profile Description.

2. Adjust contrast and brightness settings

Contrast and Brightness.

3. Set the type of monitor in use

4. Adjust the gamma settings (i.e. the midtones)


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Gamma Settings.

5. Set the preferred White Point of the monitor. This determines how warm or cool neutral white should appear.

White Point settings.

6. Save settings. This creates an ICC compliant profile.


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3 Printer Outlines

3.1 What is Printer Calibration

Calibration of the printer allows adjustment of settings to bring it back to a known standard. Devices such as printers can drift out of their set parameters over time, and calibrating restores its settings ensuring consistent color quality.

The ColorWise Calibrator allows hardware measurement devices such as the ES-1000 Spectrometer or ED-100 Densitometer to measure color and density of a test output which is then saved as an ICC profile. A calibration target that describes the expected behavior of the copier/printer is contained in each output profile.

Calibration works by creating calibration curves on the Fiery RIP that compensate for the difference between actual (measured) and desired (target) density values. These calibration curves are the graphic equivalent of transfer functions, which are mathematical descriptions of changes that will be made to the initial data. Transfer functions are often graphed as input or output curves. The Fiery RIP generates calibration curves after comparing measured values to the final target values for each of the four toner colors. For more information please refer to EFI ColorWise module, section 3.2 Calibration.

Example of curves on a graph indicating compensation values.


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3.2 What is Printer Profiling

Printer profiling is the process of determining the precise color characteristics of a printer. This profile is unique to each type of paper in the printer and each change to the printer setup options. Printer Profiling takes the calibrated result and saves it as an ICC compliant profile.

3.3 Workflow

The EFI Color Profiler software has two main workflows:

Standard: the standard workflow is appropriate for most applications. Even advanced users prefer to use the standard workflow. The standard workflow process can generate the complete profile process using the following steps:

• Print patches – print one or more color patch pages to show the color behavior of a printer for specific CMYK values. (If the printer has a calibration utility, be sure to calibrate the printer before printing patches).

• Measure patches – record spectral measurements of each color patch, using the EFI Spectrometer or other compatible spectrometer.

• Create a profile – create an ICC profile used to accurately characterize your printer.

Standard Workflow in EFI Color Profiler.

Custom: use the custom workflow to address specific requirements, including remote printers and unique production environments.


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3.4 Policy

3.4.1 Frequency of Printer Calibration

Copier gradation/calibration must be performed before calibrating the printer. In general, you should calibrate the device at least once a day, depending on the volume of print jobs. If it is very important to maintain consistent color, or if the printer/copier is subject to wide fluctuations in temperature or humidity, calibrate every few hours. For optimal performance, calibrate whenever there is a noticeable change in print quality and after changes to the User Defined Screen within the GAP (Graphic Arts Package).

Calibration should be performed 30 minutes after the initial start-up to allow the device to properly warm up to optimal operating temperature. If you need to split a print job into two or more batches to be printed at different times, it is especially important to calibrate before printing each batch. If there is one long continuous job it is best to calibrate after every 1000 prints.

3.4.2 Frequency of Printer Profiling

Usually printer profiling occurs after each calibration process, however if there is minimal change since previous calibration, the results may fall closely within the existing profile parameters.

New profiling must be applied whenever there is a media (paper weight or coating) or toner change, when User Defined Screen of GAP option function is changed, or even variations in the printer’s physical location.


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4 Printer Calibration

4.1 Knowledge Required

4.1.1 Printer Calibration Mechanism

Printer calibration is performed by measuring the patch output from the printer.

An EFI controller has internally stored calibration patch data (Patch = two kinds, gradation patch and random patch). When the patch data is output, each patch density is measured by the MFP scanner or devices such as ES-1000.

By sending the measured data to the EFI controller, the EFI controller compares "Target value" and "Current value" and tries to create calibration data with the discrepancy value of ”0". This process is called "mechanism".

4.1.2 Printer Calibration Necessity

It is important to calibrate the printer periodically during long print runs or when toner is replenished. It is also important when physical circumstances are altered such as temperature and humidity or when paper stock is changed. After calibration, it is necessary to re-profile the printer for the new conditions.

4.1.3 Printer Calibration Devices

EFI Spectrometer ES-1000: The EFI Spectrometer ES-1000 is a hand-held spectrophotometer that measures the spectral light reflected from printed output and other colored materials, as well as the density of printed ink and toner. It uses the density measurements to effectively perform the calibration.

EFI Densitometer ED-100: The EFI Densitometer ED-100 is a hand-held instrument that measures the density of printed ink and toner. The ED-100 is a reflection densitometer that you can use to perform the calibration

X-Rite DTP34: The X-Rite DTP34 QuickCal hand-scanning densitometer is a color measurement instrument that reports densitometric and dot data. The instrument is designed to calibrate color output devices including printers, copiers, and plotters to ensure consistent color output. It measures paper, density, and dot area.

X-Rite DTP41: The X-Rite DTP41 spectrophotometer, is a device that measures density and color data. The DTP41 communicates directly with the Calibrator application in ColorWise Pro Tools, sending measurements to the Fiery X3e automatically.


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ColorCal: ColorCal allows you to calibrate the Fiery RIP without the use of an additional spectrophotometer or densitometer. Instead, these methods use the copier/printer’s built-in scanner to measure toner density values. ColorCal lets you calibrate the scanner (copier feeder) using the Kodak Color and Gray Scale strips.

4.2 Actual Procedure

4.2.1 Workflow

1. Start Calibrator.

2. Choose EFI Spectrometer ES-1000 as the measurement method.

3. In the Check Print Settings window, choose the desired calibration set. Choose the appropriate calibration set for the mode and type of media which are needed for calibration.

4. In the Generate Measurement Page window, click Print. The Print Options dialog box appears.

5. Choose the appropriate options and click Print. For Page Type, choose either 21 or 34 Sorted Patches, or 21 or 34 Randomized Patches. Sorted patches are printed on the page in the order of their hue and saturation levels. Randomized patches are printed on the page in random order, to help compensate for density inconsistencies on different areas of the page. Page Size is automatically set to LTR/A4 for 21 patches, or 11x17/A3 for 34 patches. Input Tray is automatically set to Auto Select.

6. Retrieve the printed measurement page from the copier/printer.

7. In the Get Measurements window, click Measure. The Measurement Options dialog box appears. Page Type is automatically set to the type that you selected in step 5.

8. Check the settings, and click Measure. The Information dialog box appears.

9. Place the ES-1000 in the calibration cradle, and click OK. The EFI Spectrometer Measurement dialog box appears. Directions for measuring the strips appear in the Status field.

10. Place the sample aperture in the white space at the start of the specified color.

11. Press and hold the measure button and wait for a beep.

12. After you hear a beep, slide the ES-1000 at a slow but consistent pace across the strip.

13. Release the button when all the patches in the strip have been measured, and you have reached the white space at the end of the strip. When a strip is measured successfully, the cross hair moves to the next color.

14. Repeat step 10 through step 13 until all the strips have been measured. NOTE: You must take the measurements in the order outlined in the Status field.


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15. When all the patches have been read successfully, click Accept.

16. Click Apply in the Calibrator window to implement the new calibration measurement.

17. Click OK in the Information dialog box.

5 Printer Profiling

5.1 Knowledge Required

5.1.1 Introduction to EFI Color Profiler

The EFI Color Profiler is used to create high-quality, CMYK printer profiles which are fully compliant with the International Color Consortium (ICC) standard. The EFI Color Profiler package is an integrated hardware and software package, which includes the EFI handheld Spectrometer ES-1000.

The EFI Color Profiler will:

• Create accurate ICC profiles.

• Provide consistent color across devices with ICC profile support.

• Profile the CMYK response of any printer that can output PDF files.

• Measure colors with the handheld EFI Spectrometer.

• Create spot color libraries, using the EFI Spectrometer as the input device, with the Fiery Graphic Arts Package (GAP).

5.1.2 Necessity of Printer Profiling

When a printing device is manufactured it is usually batch profiled at the factory with generic settings. There is no guarantee that these profiles will be accurate for your circumstances and variables. Therefore the printer needs to be calibrated and profiled together initially and at frequent intervals thereafter (refer to section 3.4.2 Frequency of Printer Profiling).

The printer requires a separate profile for each paper type selected. The different weights, coatings and sizes all require specific profile selections to achieve optimal output. Unlike a monitor, the printer has to respond to a variety of input media. If the printer profile is optimized for that media (e.g. coated paper), it can describe to the printer how to respond. When a profile is chosen for the printer, its particular attributes (i.e. heavy weight or uncoated) are telling the printer how to describe the colors. If that particular stock is then not used, the output may be different than expected. Always use the correct stock for the profile.


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Printer profiling is achieved after the calibration process by saving a description of how printer reproduces color. The profile achieves this by describing to the color management system (CMS) the color space of the device through the process of calibration. Profiling should take place whenever new paper stock or toner is introduced. These profiles can be recalled later and used when switching between different paper types, a list of profiles is saved and managed in ColorWise Profile Manager. For more information please refer to EFI ColorWise module, section 4.1 What is the Profile Manager?

5.1.3 Workflow

The workflow can be divided as follows:

1. Measuring process using ES-1000

2. Profiling process using Color Profiler

Measuring color samples with the EFI Spectrometer:

You can measure color samples in two different modes: Patch mode or Strip mode. Before starting to measure the color samples in either mode, you are prompted to place the EFI Spectrometer on the calibration cradle. White point calibration is used to calibrate the spectrometer and to compensate for gradual drifts in the instrument. When prompted to place the EFI Spectrometer in the calibration cradle, make sure the EFI Spectrometer aperture is in full contact with the white tile on the calibration cradle. If you do not place it correctly in the calibration cradle, the EFI Spectrometer does not return accurate measurements.

To Measure in Patch Mode

1. Use the Patch guide to position the aperture of the EFI Spectrometer in the middle of the patch you want to measure.

2. Click the button. A sound indicates that the measurement has been recorded.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each patch until all patches have been measured.

To Measure in Strip Mode

1. Position the aperture of the EFI Spectrometer in the white space above the first patch in the strip.

2. Press the button on the side of the EFI Spectrometer and hold it down.

3. Wait for the sound, and then slide the EFI Spectrometer at a slow but consistent pace across the strip.


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4. Release the button when all patches in the strip have been scanned, and you have reached the white space at the end of the strip. You hear a sound as confirmation of measurement.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 until all strips have been measured.

5.1.4 Printer Profiling Devices

There are a number of printer profiling devices on the market. The recommended device for Konica Minolta printer/copiers is the ES-1000 which comes with the EFI Color Profiler software.

The EFI Color Profiler kit including Spectrometer hardware.


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5.1.5 Workflow

The EFI Color Profiler software has two main workflows:

Standard: the standard workflow is appropriate for most applications. Even advanced users prefer to use the standard workflow. The standard workflow process can generate the complete profile process using the following steps:

• Print patches – print one or more color patch pages to show the color behavior of a printer for specific CMYK values. (If the printer has a calibration utility, be sure to calibrate the printer before printing patches).

• Measure patches – record spectral measurements of each color patch, using the EFI Spectrometer or other compatible spectrometer.

• Create a profile – create an ICC profile used to accurately characterize your printer.

Standard Workflow in EFI Color Profiler.

Custom: use the custom workflow to address specific requirements, including remote printers and unique production environments.


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5.1.6 Print Measurements Page

Perform gradation/calibration of the engine but do not calibrate the Fiery.

Printing Patches for the Profiler:

1. Load the stock into the printer being measured and correctly set the weight and type in the key operator mode.

2. Run the ‘EFI Color Profiler for Printers’ software.

3. In Step 1 Click ‘Print’.

4. On the Measurement Page Options select the ES-1000 and either 234 patches or 928 patches. (A profile made with 234 patches may not correctly represent the characteristics of the printer).

5. The Advanced settings may not need to be changed as the defaults may be appropriate for the printer system. If you are profiling for a vector program, such as Adobe Illustrator, you can change the create patches to ‘vector graphics’.

6. Click OK.

7. A splash screen will appear that describes how to print the patches.


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8. Click OK.

9. Acrobat Reader will load.

Patch Page showing in Acrobat.


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10. Click File and select Print.

11. Turn off scaling.

Acrobat Print dialog box.

12. Click Properties, select ColorWise, click ‘Expert Settings’ set the CMYK/SPOT/BLACK paths as follows (see next page).


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Expert Settings.

13. The output profile selected must be using the same calibration set as the profile you are about to make.

14. Click OK .

15. Select the page size and the source to reflect where you have placed the stock in the Color MFP.

16. Click OK and Click OK again.

17. The Charts will be printed on the specified stock.

18. Close down Acrobat.


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Output of measurements page.

5.1.7 Measure Measurements Page

You can measure color samples in two different modes: Patch mode or Strip mode. Before starting to measure the color samples in either mode, you are prompted to place the EFI Spectrometer on the calibration cradle. White point calibration is used to calibrate the spectrometer and to compensate for gradual drifts in the instrument.

Measuring output using the supplied Strip Guide.


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5.1.8 How to get Measurement Results with ES-1000

When you measure color patches using a spectrometer, you are reading the spectral and color measurements for each patch and recording them in an IT8.7/3 file (a widely used measurement file format). EFI Color Profiler for Printers uses this file to generate the printer’s ICC profile.

You must record the spectral measurements of the patch pages before you can generate a color profile. Before you start to measure color patches with the EFI Spectrometer, you are prompted to place the EFI Spectrometer in its calibration cradle for white point calibration.

When prompted to place the EFI Spectrometer in the calibration cradle, make sure the EFI Spectrometer aperture is in full contact with the white tile on the calibration cradle. If you do not place it correctly in the calibration cradle, the EFI Spectrometer will not return accurate measurements.

1. Start EFI Color Profiler and click Measure. If you just printed the patch page(s), the Measure Patches dialog box appears.

Measure Patches window.


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2. Use the Tracking ID menu to display the ID printed on the patch page you want to measure. The tracking ID for the most recently printed patch page set appears at the top of the list.

3. Select Patch Mode. With Patch Mode, you measure one patch at a time. You can only switch to Strip Mode when at the first patch of each strip. You cannot switch in the middle of measuring a strip of patches. The recommended method is to use the strip mode.

4. Click Connect. NOTE: You are prompted to place the EFI Spectrometer in its calibration cradle for white point calibration.

5. Position the aperture of the EFI Spectrometer in the first patch, using the Patch guide to help place the aperture.

6. Press the Measure button on the instrument to initiate the measurement process, and then release it.

7. Listen for the sound, and then move the EFI Spectrometer to the next patch.

8. At the end of the measurement process, you are prompted to measure the next sample. The Measure Patches dialog box displays check marks for patches that have been successfully measured.

9. Repeat steps 5 to 7 until all the patches are measured.

Patch output page.


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5.1.9 Create Profile

On the create profile Window

1. Type a description of the profile. Make this description detailed as it will appear in the driver and ColorWise Pro tools.

2. Change the GCR value as desired (higher- K will replace CMY and grays will be more neutral, Lower- K will be replaced by CMY and grays will be richer)

3. Don’t change Max black value or relative ink allowance

4. Leave gamut mapping on Closest Delta E for RGB workflows (this setting will not affect a CMYK workflow).

5. Click ‘Create Profile’

Create Profile window


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On the save profile screen

Allocate a file name and destination for the profile (windows/MAC rules apply for length). Make sure you leave the extension intact. A profile will be created. This may take a while depending on the speed of the computer you are using.

At the end of the process, a summary of the settings used are displayed. Click OK on the screen. The ‘create profile’ screen is now active again, you can make another profile without having different settings to read the patches again, or you can just exit.

5.1.10 Caution

If you calibrate and profile the printer with heavy weight stock, make sure that the stock is available for the print run. The profile will recognize the particular attributes and requirements for that media type but not for another type of stock. Be sure to match the profile with the stock for consistent color output.

color calibra tion

Documents

calibration calibration

simple monitor calibration

method of monitor calibration

calibration settings

calibration process

frequency of monitor

printer calibration

printer calibration