I primarily do web work, but occasionally I do print work - not often enough for Adobe's CC to be cost effective.
I have several ideas for using primarily DPX in a workflow for accurate color in prints from CMYK presses.
Workflow 1)
- Get a swatch book from the printers of what their press prints given certain CMYK values from the CMYK color space (such as from a CMYK PDF/X)
- This takes into account any processing of the color on their end if they were given a CMYK PDF
- Create a graphic in DPX, using the color swatches as reference for the CMYK values to use (using only the CMYK color model for colors)
- sRGB Photographs shouldn't be an issue since they usually fit within the CMYK Gamut , accurately converted using Relative Colorimeter
- Export the graphic in CMYK color as a PDF/X
- Send the PDF to the printer
Workflow 2)
- Get the printer's ICC profile
- Make the graphic in DPX or PGD using sRGB or CMYK
- Convert it to CMYK (if needed) and soft-proof it with the ICC in a secondary program (I have yet to identify what this program would be)
- Export the graphic in CMYK color as a PDF/X
- Send the PDF to the printer
The first workflow would support Pantone colors, depending on DPX's pantone support. A swatch book would probably be a good idea for the second workflow as well. If unavailable, one could simply make a swatch book to have the printer print out to know what CMYK values in DPX would translate to what colors on the press.
Although I have been reading a lot on the subject, I am new to print and color management. I would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.
Thank you!
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