Photoshop Newsletter - Color Management 101

Color Management 101

"Color Management" - Just the sound of those two words might make you cringe. You want to be color-managed so that what you see on your monitor is what you get in your print, but getting to that point might be confusing and scary.

Well, it's time to simplify things.

There are 4 successful to successful Color Management. Follow these step-by-step, and you will be amazed at the difference in your output.

By the way, I have detailed blog-posts on each of theses steps (Click on the step to go to its appropriate post) which should shed some light on the subject of Color Management, including specifics, but let me touch on the main points here:

Step 1 - Calibrate Your Monitor
and Create a Monitor Profile

Step 2 - Use the Proper Printer Profile
or Create a Custom Printer Profile

Step 3 - Soft-Proof Your Image
in Photoshop

Step 4 - Assure That You Have Proper
Lighting Conditions and Perception

That's it! You are now a Color Management "Expert"! :-)

Some things to consider:

A) Profiling you monitor: The best way to do this is to invest in a Monitor Profiler such as the X Rite Eye-One Display 2 (around $225) - It is a piece of hardware called a colorimeter (It looks like a pregnant computer mouse), and the software to go with it - You profile your monitor about once a month or so. I have used Chromix to buy all sorts of Color Management gear and would recommend them highly - check with them for pricing and availability.

If purchasing a colorimeter is not an option right now, you can use the built in Adobe Gamma Utility (usually in "Control Panel") or Mac Calibration (System Preferences -> Displays -> Color -> Calibrate...). It is not perfect - it is very subjective, but better than nothing.

B) Printer Profiles: If you cannot afford a custom printer profile (I can make one for you for only $40, click here), you should be able to download "canned" printer profiles from the printer's manufacturer - Although using one is better than no profile at all, they are not as accurate as a well-built custom profile, which will bring out the best in your specific printer. Theoretically, printer profiles should last forever, but in reality, it is a good idea to have new ones made every few years.

C) Proper Lighting Conditions and Perception: I cannot tell you how often this step is overlooked - - Check out this blog-post for some fascinating insight and specifics on this, including some very fun websites that will show you the truth in this statement: Remember, the human eye is easily tricked - give yourself every advantage!

One you take care of the above steps, you should get a LOT closer to having your prints and monitor matching each other, and get the results you want with a minimum of time, paper, and ink waste. And the best part is that your investment in equipment and profiles runs under $300, on average.

Until next month, have fun!