Applies to: Ergosoft RIP 17 and later (Ink Mixing Model since 17.5.2.0098) · ColorGPS (CMYK and multicolor)

Answer

A QuickColor profile is an ICC profile that ColorGPS calculates only from the spectral measurements of the Density Linearization. No profiling chart is printed or measured, so it is a 1-step profiling. It is fast, but less accurate than a profile based on a measured profiling chart.

Details

When a ColorGPS session starts, ColorGPS loads the spectral measurements of the Density Linearization. From these measurements, it builds a model of the printer color space and calculates the separations for all profile channels. At this stage, ColorGPS can already generate a valid ICC profile: the QuickColor profile.

Typical uses:

• A temporary profile when time is limited, until a full profile is available
• A profile for a multicolor printer: without a profile, the additional inks are not used
• Evaluation of additional inks: estimate how much gamut an ink adds, and where in the color space

Important: QuickColor predicts how the inks mix, so its gamut can be larger than the gamut the printer really reaches. Do not compare the gamut of a QuickColor profile with the gamut of a profile from measured chart data.

Create a QuickColor Profile

1. Complete the Density Linearization and measure its chart.
2. Start ColorGPS for this print environment.
3. Optional, for textured or matte media: click Ink mixing model... and set the light scattering factor (1). See the next section.
4. Do not print or measure the profiling chart (Calibration chart in ColorGPS). Click Generate profile (2).

1 = Ink Mixing Model dialog with the light scattering factor · 2 = Generate profile

Result: ColorGPS creates the QuickColor profile automatically.

Better QuickColor Profiles on Textured or Matte Media

On textured or matte media, light scatters in the material, and mixed colors print duller than an ideal mixing model predicts. The Ink Mixing Model in ColorGPS takes this light scattering into account:

1. In the Density Linearization, on the Print & Measure page, enable Print mixed patches for scattering prediction. The chart gets an additional row of mixed color patches.

   

   

2. Print and measure the chart as usual.

3. In ColorGPS, under Color settings, click Ink mixing model... (1 in the screenshot above). In the Ink Mixing Model dialog, click Estimate from measurement to let ColorGPS calculate the recommended factor from these patches, or set the factor manually with the slider (Absorption Only to Absorption + Scattering). Click OK. The factor is shown next to Scattering factor.

The estimate uses the measurement standard (D50 or D65, 2° or 10°) of Tools > Application Defaults > Application > Spectrophotometer.

FAQ

Can I create a D65 profile from the same measurements?
Yes. In ColorGPS > Options, change the illuminant/observer of the profiling session. ColorGPS calculates a new ICC profile from the same spectral measurements, for example D50/2° or D65/10°. Applies to: Ergosoft RIP 17.5.2.0098 and later.

Do I still need a profiling chart?
For the best accuracy, yes. Use QuickColor to start production quickly or to evaluate inks, then replace it with a profile from a measured chart.

Related Articles

• Create Color Profiles in ColorGPS (User Guide)
• Density Linearization (User Guide)
• Introduction to Output Calibration
• Gamut Viewer

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References

• Changelog #13907 – Ergosoft RIP 17.5.2.0098: ColorGPS (Options menu) can change the illuminant/observer standard of the same profiling session; based on the same spectral measurements, ICC profiles for D50/2° or D65/10° can be generated.
• Changelog #15370 – Ergosoft RIP 17.5.2.0098: The ColorGPS Ink Mixing Model adds a light scattering parameter for more accurate color simulation on textured or matte materials, especially in combination with QuickColor profiling.
• Changelog #15400 – Ergosoft RIP 17.5.2.0098: The Density Linearization chart can include additional mixed color patches (Print mixed patches for scatter prediction) to predict the recommended light scattering factor.
• Changelog #15957 – Ergosoft RIP 17.7.2.0465: ColorGPS > Options > ICC Illuminant/Observer & CAT: profiles for the subvariants Packaging (D50/10°) and Digital Imaging (D65/2°) from the same profiling session.
• Changelog #15980 – Ergosoft RIP 17.7.2.0465: The automatic estimation of the light scattering factor uses the measurement standard set in Application Defaults.