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What is Color Management?

Color management is a term that has come to include any adjustment to a color image at any point in the production workflow.  While this may loosely define the concept, we need to create a better understanding of what color management really is. First and foremost, color management is not a silver bullet that will simply and automatically fix all of your color problems. It is a technology that requires dedication and persistence. The reward is more consistent, accurate and repeatable color output.

The term Color Management describes a technology used to communicate consistent digital color reproduction of images during various design, viewing and printing processes. This technology is based on the creation of a ICC Profile, (a custom look up table) for each device in your workflow. This profile describes the characteristics of the device. With these profiles in place, a "Road Map" of your workflow can be implemented. By knowing where an image came from, and where it is going to, we can avoid becoming lost or detoured during our drive to the final output.

Typically, each color input, display and output device will require a profile. Each profile contains information essential to learn how a particular hardware or software device behaves. The color information is captured using a color measuring device (hardware), and is processed through highly sophisticated algorithms (software). The process creates a data file, commonly referred to as a profile. When profiles are implemented into the workflow, they assist in stabilizing the color consistency of a system by providing an accurate color transform mechanism.

How it was Done the Past

Color Management is a new term for an old concept. The old concept was built with the skills of traditional artisans in the industry as well as look up tables and conversion processes perfected within the proprietary systems. With the proliferation of workstations, scanners, monitors, digital and analog proofing, and digital and traditional printing, we are looking for a process to understand the capabilities of each of the devices in the digital workflow.

More Recent Options

Until recently, the approach has been to buy a software based on referrals from others in the industry, trade show exposure, graphic resellers product lines, product reviews in the graphics publications, or otherwise jump in and research the available options and hope you choose the proper components. You may or may not have gotten a product that is suited to your requirements, budget, workflow, level of expertise and expectations. We suggest that you hire a color consultant who will come on site to perform a workflow and product analysis, and help recommend currently available
products that will fit your requirements.

With this recommendation, you are assured that the proper software and hardware options are understood and an intelligent, informed decision can be made regarding this purchase. Once a determination of products has taken place, we will work with your location to provide in-depth training and support for the products chosen. If you have already made the decision to purchase hardware and software, we can provide training. If you have a software sitting on the shelf, you may not need to replace it. Once again, we can provide the training and recommendations to fill out the missing components within the workflow.

Two Tiered Approach to Digital Attributes Training and Consulting

The most commonly used approach to a Color Managed Workflow is to purchase the necessary hardware and software and perform all of the tasks in-house. With the appropriate training, you will be well on your way to understanding and creating the most optimal profiles and workflow. There are times that a location such as yours will not have the time or expertise available for the creation and maintenance of the ICC profiles.

The concept of remote profiling allows you to obtain quality profiles at a lower initial cost without taking your key personnel out of the production cycle for training. There will be no need to purchase the software and hardware typically associated with a typical Color Management System. After a Color Management assessment, a recommendation based on your location will be outlined. A qualified installer will be scheduled to visit your location and create the profiles of your devices. Our installers are well versed in all aspects of Color Management, input and output devices. Process and Quality control aspects are defined to ensure the device is stable and repeatable. 

This stability ensures the accuracy and repeatability of your profiles. This approach frees up your operators to focus on the workflow rather than the process of learning new software. The qualified installer would be scheduled to return to your location at predefined intervals to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the profiles in your location. At a later point in time, your staff will become fluent in the Color Management workflow and possibly desire to undertake the concept of profiling. With a more through understanding of the Color Management workflow, the decision to purchase the appropriate software for your needs becomes much easier. The training process is also shortened due to the increased level of expertise obtained by your personnel while working within a Color Managed environment.

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Atlanta, GA 30306 (404) 724-0102

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Inman, SC 29349 (651) 407-8561