> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.coraye.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.coraye.com/colors-tables/create-a-color-table-from-a-spot-color-chart-measurement.md).

# 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.

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MORhU2SncUhA4doKX6y%2F-MOSDOU742yKb_GdshVq%2FMesure%20Table%200.png?alt=media\&token=77962559-dcf1-4482-b1e4-b1b0dc7cb25d)

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

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

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MORhU2SncUhA4doKX6y%2F-MOSD1h-tvu6lSqTqmjd%2FMesure%20Table%201.png?alt=media\&token=2cfc556e-f80b-4394-9fb3-6b8905c9db2a)

Select the "Direct tone" color space

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MORhU2SncUhA4doKX6y%2F-MOSDhPuqF9neeCuw1vK%2FMesure%20Table%201b.png?alt=media\&token=a505cc36-cb9e-4221-b4e3-2b151a60e83f)

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

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MORhU2SncUhA4doKX6y%2F-MOSDmaRL7TVkELlKeTt%2FMesure%20Table%201c.png?alt=media\&token=3968c0ba-6489-479c-afcd-1f7cc81c54b5)

Click on the button "**Use norm's lab**"

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MORhU2SncUhA4doKX6y%2F-MOSDsf0WgFPPzoSER4Q%2FMesure%20Table%201d.png?alt=media\&token=e0d0fd52-03c8-4be8-b9df-924491e6cea9)

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**".

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MOSRbJMvjVwmrnI-wUR%2F-MOSTuO7qN95iITCO8hr%2FMesure%20table%202.png?alt=media\&token=71b18bcc-5554-464f-95d1-3c99ef621fce)

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

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MOSRbJMvjVwmrnI-wUR%2F-MOSUV_VUh41HQtnnRI8%2FMesure%20table%203a.png?alt=media\&token=85b6777e-8fb2-4558-a168-1aa4dae50282)

Click on the "**Save and Quit**" button

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MOSRbJMvjVwmrnI-wUR%2F-MOSUZolhsZKmNxlY29l%2FMesure%20table%203b.png?alt=media\&token=2991507e-b5a1-428a-ba60-e65c90d7bb8f)

### Printing the test pattern

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

{% hint style="warning" %}
You must use a RIP capable of handling spot colors.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you are using swatches containing custom colors, remember to import them into the RIP.
{% endhint %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-LjRZ7m\_9VHQyV5ahMiO" %}
[Colors tables](/colors-tables/colors-tables.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MT_YYB0vfmZPKOY-fgZ%2F-MT_YmDMGniut1DBkW3r%2FImpression%20Pantone.png?alt=media\&token=7ecee5fa-67b5-4e96-8937-9c687601485f)

### 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**".

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MORhU2SncUhA4doKX6y%2F-MOSFccpGVb2ARmQ-y7i%2FMesure%20Table%204.png?alt=media\&token=fbcf053c-2804-4b7c-850b-e6c06e374c19)

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

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MOSf_pGHGIfTK24XiD2%2F-MOShUXGWFEf1X1xz1i8%2FMesure%20table%206.png?alt=media\&token=82e64462-d7c7-473f-82d4-0278241c5c42)

Select the spectrophotometer options.

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MOSf_pGHGIfTK24XiD2%2F-MOSiTNnOSMK6HAGcT58%2FMesure%20table%205a.png?alt=media\&token=bbc9e2f3-4d5d-4281-81f4-477d5b6c0d9e)

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

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MOSf_pGHGIfTK24XiD2%2F-MOSiYTWwt5FYViiM_gc%2FMesure%20table%205b.png?alt=media\&token=41de727e-b4b2-4a4c-bfac-4ebf6cfc2326)

Start reading

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MIK5esgPRDdQ7c4ibeh%2F-MIK6UK4iu0lcI2GHcBm%2FI1Pro%20ECI2002R%203.JPG?alt=media\&token=c61e274a-13e3-41a3-a8c3-4c498bfcb66c)

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.

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MORhU2SncUhA4doKX6y%2F-MOSGFQi24eaAmrHYBrE%2FMesure%20Table%207.png?alt=media\&token=f3a3dec8-72f5-4001-a7a6-ebd85f8562bf)

### Export of the table

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

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MOSH7dgqW-Qr1eMrc-R%2F-MOSN0CrxEHn0UVu_BU4%2FMesure%20Table%206e.png?alt=media\&token=747f0a64-8d16-4d47-b6e5-1129e516e989)

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MORhU2SncUhA4doKX6y%2F-MOSGLiBg8PIJzSjEdI0%2FMesure%20Table%208.png?alt=media\&token=79be4b98-f39c-4e4b-8a4c-6dca8fba0a02)

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.

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MORhU2SncUhA4doKX6y%2F-MOSGUIz5CFDiBXz-hnE%2FMesure%20Table%209.png?alt=media\&token=6de22f59-861c-44c7-9f80-467d24730d7e)

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

![](https://817532847-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LjCNvq-KDdSRn96lZIz%2F-MORhU2SncUhA4doKX6y%2F-MOSGZBCytQMQN62PoxB%2FMesure%20Table%2010.png?alt=media\&token=7e227f45-32c3-49df-8301-37c0aae1d50f)

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.