What I don't understand is that you don't have 3cc files. Target is picked in workflows but how do you get a match to target if you don't have 3cc file?
3cc files are "LAB correction files." These are an option, not a necessity. When optimizing a profile to improve delta E, you have the choice of either writing over the existing profile, or appending it with a 3cc file, which will be read and incorporated into the data. Me, I figure, fewer files == simplicity, so I overwrite the existing profile instead of appending another.
To get the "match" you speak of, two profiles are involved:
1. the target profile (also called 'output,' and in some cases poorly referred to as 'source' which only confuses matters). This profile is selected in the workflow. For me, I use GRACoL 2006 coated (which was not provided by EFI, rather obtained elsewhere. It's in the latest Photoshop for example).
2. the proofer or printer profile. This is what is created using Color Manager (or other profiling software) as a result of reading targets produced by the brand of plotter that will be used (after linearization of course). This profile is selected in the output device column.
Color management only requires two profiles, in and out. The target is the "in" profile, communicating what you want the image to look like, and the "out" is the printer profile, which tells the color management module how to arrive at the desired colors, when printing to that plotter.
One of the problems with color management is that this concept of in and out could be express exactly the opposite as well (hence the target getting the label of 'source'). We could as well say the 'in' is the printer profile, and the 'out' is the output profile (makes sense, eh?). It's all a terminology issue, that's all. The bottom line is that it doesn't matter as long as you remember -- the target, output, or source profile as it may be called, is your desired color space to reach. The proofer or printer profile is the color space of the device you are printing to. It knows the capabilities of the printer you have available. Knowing that, and knowing what you want (target, output, source profile), color management pulls those two together and gives you what you want. Clear as mud?
The .3cc file is an extension of the printer profile. It is an adjustment to that profile, that's all. If you save over the original when optimizing the profile, this file is not needed. However, if the file exists (because someone else did it that way), simply supply the .3cc file and use it as intended. It works either way, but the basic concept is still the same -- color management works on only two profiles, in and out.
Why efi generated media profile is far superior to one made with Monaco or ProfileMaker? It's just easier to use within efi as it is integrated very well. There is not much options when you create media profile. In ProfileMaker you have much more options.
I couldn't say why it's better, other than looking by eye, the results are better. And yes, easier due to the splendid integration. Perhaps the lack of options is why it's better -- less knobs to turn the wrong way. Really, it probably boils down to better programming and color science, and specialization. The EFI color manager is not trying to profile everything possible. Just inkjet printers. So in that sense, the programmers are specializing on that aspect of color management, and the result of their efforts are certainly visible to the naked eye. I have not had near the success in matching color across a sheet with any other profiling system or software. The EFI package is a cut above the rest.
William Campbell
Revere Graphics Portland Oregon USA
[email protected]
