|
Color quality is a common concern among our customers. There are ways of predicting how your job will print, and granted not all are exact. In this section, we will be giving you some solutions, and suggestions to help you with all the decisions you will be making.
When working with graphics, you have the option of saving the image as “RGB” or as “CMYK” .
RGB or "Red, green, blue" is the color model used for images viewed on a screen or monitor, as in web pages or television. Colors built from the RGB model cannot be reproduced when printing on an offset press – they cannot be separated out to create printing plates. However, colors built from RGB or images saved as RGB will reproduce on a color printer. Please note that all ".gif" and ".jpg" files are by default RGB.
CMYK or "cyan, magenta, yellow, Black" is the color model used for images in print. When blended they can reproduce the widest range of color with the fewest inks. Colors built using the CMYK model and images saved as CMYK will separate to create the printing plates required for offset printing.
Please note that hen creating or editing graphics in Photoshop, RGB is the color model by default. If using the image for offset printing, the image must be converted to CMYK before saving.
By picking a color from the Pantone Color Formula Guide , you are actively choosing how your document will print. When printed via offset metal plates , the colors will be exactly as they appeared in the guide. Printing to a color copier is not nearly as exact as printing via metal printing plates.
When you do pick an ink color, you need to consider some other factors such as typeface and the color of the paper.
Printing ink is translucent, and will reflect the color of the paper as well as the color of the ink. If your paper selection is off white or a color, all your highlights and bright areas will be less vibrant.
Another item to consider is whether or not you paper is coated. A coated paper will have sheen to it, therefore making the ink appear more vibrant. In the case of a more porous papers, more ink will be absorbed creating a slightly darker color when the job is printed. When picking your colors from the Pantone Color Formula Guide , you will notice that it is
divided into Coated and Uncoated. Be sure to select your color from the correct section depending on the kind of paper you will be using.
A color proof is provided to you by University Graphics when offset printing with metal plates. It is to help you better visualize how your job will look and to check how everything is lining up. This is also a good time to reconsider your color selections if necessary.
When printing directly to a color printer, your Color Proof is nearly exactly what you will receive as a finished product. Minor color shifts in hue and tone may occurif the proof is printed days before the final job is output.
|
