Create a color table from a spot color chart measurement

The best way to master the spot colors reproduced by your printing system is to print them, measure them and then create a color table from the measured values.

As you probably know, your printing system is not able to reproduce all the colors in your reference color chart. But how do you get your customers or creatives color tables that will reflect exactly what the colors will be in the final print? The method we propose consists of generating charts made up of spot colors from your color chart (PANTONE® for example), printing them under normal conditions and then measuring them to create a color table that will serve as a reference later.

Import of color chart

Let's start by importing a color chart (for example PANTONE®) with File> Open file.

Creation of the test pattern containing the spot colors in pdf format

In "Print Control" click on "Create a reference"

Select the "Direct tone" color space

Drag the color chart file located in the left column into the "Drag a color table here" area

Click on the button "Use norm's lab"

The test pattern containing the spot colors is displayed Export this test chart in Pdf in order to print it later, then click on "Next".

Name the project "Print Control" In this information window, only the name of the setting is mandatory. All other information is optional.

Click on the "Save and Quit" button

Printing the test pattern

The printout of the test chart containing the spot color chart must be printed under production conditions.

You must use a RIP capable of handling spot colors.

If you are using swatches containing custom colors, remember to import them into the RIP.

Colors tables

Target measurement

The measurement of the printed test chart will be done from the "Print Control" file previously created. Right-click on the "Print Control" file and select "Start control".

Make sure the spectrophotometer is connected, then click "Start Reading"

Select the spectrophotometer options.

Position the spectrophotometer in its calibration position, then click on "Start calibration"

Start reading

While measuring the range, you have the possibility to view the deviations between the reference values and the measured values, by hovering over the patches.

Export of the table

Once the test pattern is finished, export the measurement in .table format

The color table in .table format can be converted, subsequently, to be adapted in different formats compatible with RIPs or Adobe suite software.

Import the .table file with File> Open File.

The color table will appear in the left column. Right click on the file and> Export> select the destination format.

You will find in the chapter "Color Table" different procedures explaining the import of these tables into the main RIPs and software on the market.