4 Cs of Color Management

Emissive colorimeter calibrating a monitor with accompanying software.

The 4 Cs model refers to a process for setting up and adjusting color reproduction equipment for the most accurate and consistent color, ensuring that each device performs at its best. The 4 Cs are depicted in a hierarchy where lower steps must be done first.

Cameras | Monitors | Proofers | Presses

    Consistency

  1. The monitor should be in a consistently illuminated environment, e.g., away from a window where the illumination could vary with the time of day.
  2. If the monitor has hardware controls for brightness and contrast, set to a pleasing levels.
  3. Alternatively the calibration program may also have targets to help you choose the optimum brightness and contrast.

    Calibration

  1. Attach the colorimeter to the monitor and run the calibration program.
  2. The program will show the colorimeter various tone scales and color patches and simultaneously linearize and profile the monitor.

    Characterization

  1. Save the monitor ICC profile that the calibration program creates.
  2. Set as the montior profile in System Settings > Display.