Design and then Pnt

[dave@wickmanstudios]

I currently have a Canon IP6600D printer...


What is the best way to calibrate my monitor to my printer so that the colors that I correct for on my screen look the same when I print?

[El Peligroso]

not sure, i normally just print of a colour sample sheet and keep it on my desk for refrence...

[brokendalek]

You can buy a calibrator for your monitor like these ones here:

http://shop.colourconfidence.com/section.php?xSec=210

[Cwilk]

I've used high-end calibrators and low-end calibrators....and personally they're all junk. So, I don't recommend buying any calibrator.

Mac's have a built in calibrator (low end) but what you need to do is set up a color chart on a business card print file. Design with CMYK swatches and other various colors. The expensive part is sending it to be printed for real. When the cards come back from the print company, you can compare the color on them to your monitor while correcting your monitor with the built-in calibrator. Another way is if you already own PMS color swatches (which are way more expensive than printing business cards).

Keep the extra business cards in a dark place so they don't fade and you'll have them for future calibrations.

Unfortunately not all print companies will be calibrated to your monitor and printer's output. The calibration you've just done is specifically for the print company you just printed with. On a good note, the calibration is probably within 10% darker or lighter for other print companies, which is already the standard.

I've always gone by the number system for color correction, and my monitor stays fairly calibrated.

One thing to remember is never mess with the buttons on the monitor once your monitor is calibrated. And calibrate no less than once a month.

Some designers will not agree with my method, but it's worked for me for many years and it's the least expensive for someone on a budget.

[Toon]

And how many so called calibrated files do printers receive when they just go, damn it we'll match on the press?? I get maybe 8 a week, it's too wide spread to match that accuratly just make sure you do your bit right and the next person down the line should know their stuff!

[Cwilk]

Well said Toon!!!!

And did you know that matching the paint on a car is more accurate than color correction on a computer and then going on press? Pretty sad.

Color is not an exact science.

[Toon]

Originally Posted by Cwilk

Well said Toon!!!!

And did you know that matching the paint on a car is more accurate than color correction on a computer and then going on press? Pretty sad.

Color is not an exact science.

We have a factory with 5 old timson presses in and matching colours isn't gonna happen, I dont even think pantone exsisted when they where built.

If colour match is a must we put them on something built before the 2nd world war!

[Cwilk]

Toon, I didn't realize you worked in a print company. That's very cool.

[Toon]

Have you clicked my sig links?

[Cwilk]

You mean I'm suppose to click on things?

You think I would have figured it out by now. Well, now I'm going to click away.