4 Cs of Color Management

Test chart for inkjet printers, includes tone scales and solid ink patches.

IT8.7/4 color profiling target for printers.

Randomized version of the IT8.7/4 color target, designed so that ink distribution will not have as much impact on the color patches.

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

Print an ink limits chart and set the ink limit as a percent. Inkjet printers "spit" droplets of ink onto the page, so it's easy to apply too much ink to the point that it puddles and runs off the page. The correct ink limit varies with the ink and substrate.

Calibration

Print a tone scale of halftone dots, 0 to 100% in 5% or 10% increments, measure with a spectrophotometer set to dot area, and enter the readings into the calibration program, which is usually built into the raster image processor (RIP) or operating software.

Characterization

Print a color management profiling target, such as the IT8.7/4, and measure with an automated spectrophotometer.
Enter the color readings into the profiling program and create the ICC profile.

Conversion

Select the proofer output profile in the RIP, or operating software.
You may set a simulation profile, which is how you would like the prints to look (e.g., to look like lithographic printing).