Color variations between your screen and your print can be frustrating and costly. Whether it's due to different color modes, printer settings, paper quality, or environmental factors, you need to adjust your print workflow to minimize the discrepancies and ensure consistent results. In this article, you'll learn how to do that with six simple steps.
The first step is to make sure that your graphic files are in the correct color mode for printing. Most screens use RGB (red, green, blue) mode, which can display a wider range of colors than most printers. Printers use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) mode, which can produce more accurate and stable colors on paper. To avoid unwanted color shifts, convert your files from RGB to CMYK before sending them to the printer. You can do this in most graphic software by changing the color mode settings or exporting the files as CMYK.
Changing the color mode is a must for a printer and for a screen, this is one of the basic things that a graphic designer should know.
The next step is to calibrate your monitor to match the color standards of the printing industry. This will help you see the colors on your screen as close as possible to how they will look on paper. You can use a hardware device called a colorimeter, which measures the color output of your monitor and adjusts it accordingly. Alternatively, you can use a software tool that guides you through a series of tests and adjustments. You can find both options online or at your local computer store.
Finally!!! As I scrolled through most of the print topics - it's the 1st (!!!) time when someone tells you about this. It's a major point in printing to get the WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) approach. Without it - whole your print project can be ruined if the colors you see are wrongly shown by the monitor. Simple test - check in your PS, ID, or Ai - do you see the difference between two overlapped squares - simple Black 100% and 100% registration color? Or does 1% of black differ from pure white? No difference? Calibrate!
The type and quality of paper you use for printing can also affect the color output. Different papers have different levels of brightness, whiteness, opacity, and texture, which can influence how the ink is absorbed and reflected. For example, glossy paper can make colors more vibrant and saturated, while matte paper can make them more muted and soft. To avoid surprises, choose a paper that suits your design and budget, and test it with a sample print before finalizing your order.
Another step you can take to improve your color accuracy is to adjust your printer settings according to your paper and design. Most printers have options for color management, paper type, print quality, and ink density, which can affect the color balance, contrast, sharpness, and saturation of your print. You can either use the presets provided by your printer or customize them to your preferences. To find the best settings, experiment with different combinations and compare the results.
A color profile is a file that contains information about how a device interprets and displays colors. By using a color profile for your printer and paper, you can ensure that your graphic software and your printer are on the same page when it comes to color reproduction. You can either download a color profile from the manufacturer's website or create your own using a color profiling tool. To apply a color profile, you need to embed it in your graphic file or select it in your printer settings.
The final step is to review and proofread your print before sending it to the final destination. Check for any color variations, errors, or defects that might have occurred during the printing process. If you notice any issues, try to fix them by repeating or modifying the previous steps. If you are satisfied with the quality, you can proceed to distribute or display your print.
In my experience printing on a desktop printer or even a calibrated office printer yields different results, though close than what you get when getting things printed by professional printers. This is due to the paper being different and your office printer will have different settings. Additionally the office temperature and weather conditions can affect results. When getting things printed ask your print service provider for a soft and hard proof before going into print. Additionally, any help needed in setting up your print document goes a long way. They might even have the PDF settings needed ready as a template for you to download and use.