Glossary of pre-press, color reproduction and production terminology. C

Color calibration

Color calibration is the process whereby a series of graphics input and output devices are calibrated, or matched, using color profiles, in an effort to match the appearance of color across the range of the design, pre-press and printing process.

Both input devices, such as scanners and digital cameras; and output devices, such as monitors, printers, proofing devices and imagesetters, are calibrated. This is to ensure consistency throughout the publishing process.

Many hardware suppliers provide a color profile with their products, so that designers and prepress professionals have a starting point to work from.

Choke

Choking is a type of trap that involves reducing he size of a graphic colour to trap the inner colour, resulting in a hairline trap.

See also: Spread, Definition of trapping

Color bar

A series of colored shapes printed outside of the finished area. These bars are used to verify the accuracy of the printing job and allows the press operator to calibrate the print job and adjust the press if necessary.

ColorSync

Apple's color management system (CMS). ColorSync uses a variety of profiles for different input and output devices, to try and calibrate the whole design, publishing and printing process.

Color separation

The process whereby the four (CMYK) process printing colours are separated into their primary colors to allow for professional printing.

CMYK

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (CMYK) are the four primary printing inks that make up any full color printing job. Also known as the four process colors.