Color Models (RGB vs CMYK)

A color model is an abstract numerical system looks like white (no ink laid down means no light

for describing color, using three or four main is absorbed), whereas CMYK 0 0 0 100 looks like

numbers to represent primary colors. RGB and black (maximum black ink laid down means all

CMYK are the two main color models that you colors are absorbed). CMYK values range from 0%

need to be familiar with. to 100%.

RGB color model RGB vs CMYK Color Gamuts

The RGB color model is an additive color model, All color models can only display a limited gamut

used for all media that transmit light (e.g. (range) of colors compared to the actual visible

computer monitors, phones). Digital media emit spectrum of color.

color as RGB (Red, Green, Blue) light. RGB has a wider gamut than CMYK, which

Additive means that the more RGB means that not all RGB colors can be reproduced

light beams emitted, the closer you in CMYK (i.e. not all colors on screen can be

get to white. If no light is emitted reproduced in printed ink). The difference in

(RGB 0 0 0) you will see black. If maximum light gamut is most noticeable when dealing with very

is emitted (RGB 255 255 255) you will see white. bright, vibrant colors. The neon colors you can

RGB values range from 0 to 255. get on a computer monitor cannot be reproduced

when printing with normal CMYK ink on paper,

CMYK color model because while digital media emits light, ink on

The CMYK color model is a subtractive color paper does not.

model, used for print. Printers print with CMYK

(Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) ink; no matter

what color model your digital file is, it will be

converted to CMYK in order to be printed.

Subtractive means that the more

ink added, the closer you get to

black. Different color inks absorb

and reflect specific wavelengths. CMYK 0 0 0 0

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Color Spaces

A color space is a specific implementation of a Color profiles define the specific color space

color model. There are many RGB and CMYK color (e.g. Adobe RGB) of a document or device. The

spaces, and each one has a different gamut. The terms color profile and color space are often used

two main color spaces you should be familiar with interchangeably.

are Adobe RGB and sRGB.

For more detailed information on color settings,

sRGB (standard RGB) is an older standard, and visit the Adobe support site:

almost every screen uses sRGB as their color http://help.adobe.com/en_US/creativesuite/

space. sRGB should be used for images that cs/using/WS6A727430-9717-42df-B578-

appear on the web. Most monitors can display C0AC705C54F0.html

almost all of the sRGB color space, so this is a

safe option for digital media.

Adobe RGB has a wider gamut than sRGB,

meaning images in the Adobe RGB color space

can have a wider range of colors. However, most

monitors cannot display all of the Adobe RGB

gamut! So Adobe RGB images viewed on the web

likely look worse than sRGB images, because

there will be color loss when the browser converts

the Adobe RGB image to sRGB. However, many

inkjet printers have adapted the Adobe RGB color

space, meaning they can reproduce colors out of

the sRGB gamut, so it is recommended to keep

for-print images in Adobe RGB.

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Color Management Workflow at DMA

There are multiple approaches to color 1. Work in RGB

management when working with print media files. As mentioned before, sending RGB data to

Some print houses ask designers to submit RGB the printers at DMA is preferred. Create new

files, while others want CMYK. It depends on both documents in RGB mode; use the Adobe RGB

the type of printer and their particular workflow. profile for print documents, and use sRGB if your

document is only for web/digital screens. It is

The purpose of having a good color management important to remember that your RGB colors may

workflow is so that what you see on your screen not exist in the CMYK gamut, which is why soft

will translate as close as possible to what you see proofing, explained next, is important.

printed!

2. Soft proof on a calibrated monitor

When printing on the laser and inkjet printers Soft proofing lets you preview on screen what

at DMA, it is best to submit RGB files. This is your final printed output will look like, IF your

because the native Epson and Canon drivers monitor is properly calibrated and you are using

prefer handling RGB data, and our printers can the correct printer profile (specific to the paper

basically be treated as RGB devices (though and printer you will be using). This is an important

they print with CMYK inks). If you were to use step because it shows you approximately how

third-party RIP software, CMYK data would be your RGB colors will translate to CMYK ink!

preferred.

3. Print on proper paper with correct profile

Here is the recommended approach for color Specifying the correct printer/paper profile

management when printing at DMA. Detailed means your file will be converted to CMYK in the

instructions for specific programs follow. best way possible, for the specific paper type and

printer you are using. Not all papers have profiles

created for them, so in that case you should

choose the closest match to your paper and

adjust your colors as needed.

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Installing Printers: HP LaserJet 5550 (Spasky, Fisher)

Installing the Driver (Mac) Adding the Printer

1. Download driver from the DMA Support site 1. Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners

Lab Info > Downloads and press the to add a new printer.

Click “HP 5550 Printer Driver” 2. If the Advanced icon (gear) is not in the toolbar,

2. Install the Driver right-click the toolbar, select “Customize Toolbar”.

Unzip the .gz file (double click it) Then drag the Advanced icon to the toolbar.

Perform a software update ( > Software

Update)

3. Click the Advanced icon and input the following.

For “Use”, choose “Select Software...” to search for

5550. Lastly, press Add to finish.

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Installing Printers: Epson Stylus Pro 4900 (Buzz)

Installing the Driver Adding the Printer

1. Download the driver from Epson.com 1. Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners

Drivers & Support > Printers & All-in-ones and press the to add a new printer.

Search for Epson Stylus Pro 4900, click it 2. If the Advanced icon (gear) is not in the toolbar,

Click “Drivers & Downloads” see instructions on pg. 7.

Click “Download” 3. Click the Advanced icon and input the following.

2. Install the Driver For “Use”, choose “Select Software...” to search for

Open the downloaded DMG and follow the EPSON SPro 4900. Lastly, press Add to finish.

instructions to install the printer driver.

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Printer Settings: HP LaserJet 5550 (Spasky, Fisher)

Print Dialog Settings 4. Color/Quality:

1. Paper Size: To print a black and white document, make

Select the correct paper size. sure to check Print Color as Gray.

2. Layout:

Choose the following to print double-sided:

Check “Two-Sided”

Two-Sided: Long-Edge Binding or

Short-Edge Binding

Inserting Custom Paper

1. To print on your own paper, first lower Tray 1.

2. Slide the tabs to fit your paper. For letter and

tabloid paper, slide the tabs to 11”.

3. Insert your paper onto the tray. For letter

3. Paper Feed: paper, place the paper so the long edge is parallel

If you are printing on custom paper, choose to the printer. For tabloid paper, place the paper

All Pages From: Tray 1 so the short edge is parallel to the printer (the

paper will stick out from the tray).

Custom Paper Settings

*to be added*

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Printer Settings: Epson Stylus Pro 4900 (Buzz)

Print Dialog Settings Inserting Paper

1. Paper Size:

Make sure you select the (Sheet) option for

your paper size.

2. Printer Settings:

Choose the following:

Insert paper into the paper cassette face down,
Paper Cassette
and push the tray all the way in to begin printing.
Media Type: (your paper)

Ink: Photo Black

Color Mode: Off (No Color Management)

If you don’t see the Paper Cassette option,

you didn’t set your paper size to Sheet.

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Printer Settings: Canon Pixma Pro-1 (Mulder, Scully)

Print Dialog Settings Inserting Paper (Manual Feed)

1. Paper Size:

Make sure you select the correct paper size.

1. The Manual Feed is behind the Rear Tray.

2. Quality and Media:

Choose the correct media type and source.

Media Type: (your paper)

Paper Source: Rear Tray

2. Move the gray tabs to fit your paper size.
(Manual Feed if thick paper)

Check “Black and White Photo Print” to print

in only black/grey inks.

3. When you print a manual feed job, after you

hit Print you need to press the “Resume” button

on the printer. It is the left button and should be

flashing orange when it needs to be pressed.

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InDesign Workflow

Document Setup Print Settings

1. Transparency Blend Space: 1. Output pane:

Edit > Transparency Blend Space > Choose Color: Composite RGB

Document RGB

2. Color Settings:

*to be added*

3. Assigning/Converting Profiles:

*to be added*

Soft-Proofing

1. Go to View > Proof Setup > Custom...

2. Color Management pane:

A. Print: check Document (should be Adobe)

2. Customize Proof Condition:
B. Color Handling: Let InDesign Determine
A. Choose the profile for your final output
Colors
printer and paper.
C. Printer Profile: choose the profile for the
B. Uncheck “Preserve RGB Numbers”
specific printer and paper you are going to
C. Check “Simulate Black Ink” to see how
be printing on.
your blacks will look when printed (ink is not

as deep black as on screen).

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