4 Cs of Color Management

Printing Process	Applicable Standard
Commercial printing	GRACoL
Magazines and Catalogs	SWOP
Newspapers	SNAP
Flexography	FIRST

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

• Choose an applicable print standard (table at left) and run to the specified ink densities.

Calibration

1. Calibrate the platesetter using the raster image processor (RIP) software and calibration routine.
2. The calibration routine will image a series of tone scales. Measure the tones using a plate-reading densitometer set to read dot area.

Characterization

1. Print a printer profiling target and measure with an automated spectrophotometer.
2. Make the ICC color profile from the measured data.

Conversion

1. Set the press profile as the output profile in the RIP.
2. Or in Photoshop select Edit > Convert to Profile with the press profile.