A Colorimetric investigation of soft proofing

Abstract

The color proof has become one of the most important tools for quality control in the printing industry today3. Customers, publishers, separators, and printers depend upon its accuracy for indicating the quality of separations. The color proof is the most practical method for communicating how the color should appear and is easy to understand and use for comparison. The analog color proof is compared to the original to determine if the desired result has been achieved. The proof is sent to the customer to indicate how the image will appear when printed. If this proof is accepted, it is sent to the press room to indicate what is expected in the final reproduction. The color proof visually simulates how a set of films will print on the final production press with the production inks and stock. However, all too often, what is seen on the proof is not what the customer receives