What comes before Newbie? That's where we are - Troubles with X-Rite and colors

[noboost4you]

Well luckily, our colors do not vary often. Our standard two colors are Black and 186C. Any custom color per customer will go through certain R&D processes. Not the ideal solution, but a solution nonetheless.

[David Milisock]

>I'm game to try anything as long as the Pantone color we input into Corel is what the X-Rite measures once it has been run through the Mimaki UJF-3042FX.

What version of Corel and I assume CorelDRAW?

CorelDRAW X5 and X6 uses the LAB specification for converting to CMYK, you can alos choose RGB or CMYK however the result on your media will also depend on the quality of the profile.

Can I assume you're using the Mimali RIP? Do you create your media profiles? Does your RIP allow spot color conversion curves?

[David Milisock]

printplnt.jpg
Notice the convert spot colors is unchecked, this will allow the devices profile to read the spot color name and control the conversion

[David Milisock]

print plnt2.jpg
Sorry here is the second tab please note the floating point checkbox it is required but not a default

[David Milisock]

>but I can definitely suggest checking the "Convert spot colors to process"

Not a good idea
I'll suggest my book on CorelDRAW color management at Custom Graphic Technologies Inc

[noboost4you]

>I'm game to try anything as long as the Pantone color we input into Corel is what the X-Rite measures once it has been run through the Mimaki UJF-3042FX.

What version of Corel and I assume CorelDRAW?

CorelDRAW X5 and X6 uses the LAB specification for converting to CMYK, you can alos choose RGB or CMYK however the result on your media will also depend on the quality of the profile.

Can I assume you're using the Mimali RIP? Do you create your media profiles? Does your RIP allow spot color conversion curves?

Currently, we are running X4, but X5 has been ordered and should be delivered this week.

Yes, we are using Mimaki's RIP software, RasterLink Pro IP 5. We do not create our own media profiles. Yes, the software allows for us to alter color curves.

[David Milisock]

>Currently, we are running X4, but X5 has been ordered and should be delivered this week.

Ok give me a buzz BEFORE installing, 717-203-6358 I'm East Coast USA time( mention this forum so I don't ignore you). There is some thinking tobe done and if done this can be less painfull and down right productive. X6 has not had a service pack yet so X5 is the way, with that said X6 has Open type support and is a decent upgrade for you as the color engines are identical with a couple enhancements that do not affect integrity simply ease of use.

[noboost4you]

>Currently, we are running X4, but X5 has been ordered and should be delivered this week.

Ok give me a buzz BEFORE installing, 717-203-6358 I'm East Coast USA time( mention this forum so I don't ignore you). There is some thinking tobe done and if done this can be less painfull and down right productive. X6 has not had a service pack yet so X5 is the way, with that said X6 has Open type support and is a decent upgrade for you as the color engines are identical with a couple enhancements that do not affect integrity simply ease of use.

If our printer and ink sets are not Pantone certified (as stated by the manufacturer), how could the software have any positive impact?

[David Milisock]

>Pantone certified
Certification means nothing. A process that is repeatable and compatible is the way to go, which a certification process is but the end result is not necessarly more or less correct its just repeatable.

X4 was unique in it's color management processes. It was certainly viable but difficult to configure, also Pantone specifications have changed since then and have since positioned themselves to be stable for some time since they are now based on LAB. As Corel has been on this specification for 2 cycles and CS6 is also using LAB for spot colors this places you in a compatilbe position for the foreseeable future.

Color management is about making the application work as it should with repeatable tagged color spaces, then configuring the output device to receive the data in a repeatable manner so the curve adjustments and or profiles can produce the output in a repeatable fashion. With all application using the LAB specification for spot conversion this should reduce issues of conversions shifts for the future.

The issue with newer software is the installation, XP has some issues that are there, Vista and Windows 7 have their own issue. Preparing the system before an install and a proper install makes software upates less stressful.

[Stephen Marsh]

Bryan, how much money has your company invested to do all this in-house - without having the appropriate setup knowledge and experience?...not to mention operational knowledge?

I think it is past time that your company considered hiring a consultant (or hiring full time) with knowledge and experience with your hardware and software to get yo set-up and running so that you are productive as soon as possible.


Stephen Marsh