An input profile / standardization defines what color space you must use to interpret the color information of the file you want to print in a correct manner.
The main input profiles (color spaces) are the following.
RGB
The RGB color space is based on the RGB color model. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is a suitable color model for computer graphics because the human visual system operates in a similar manner.
The RGB color space is an additive color space, where you can mix colors based on light. You can create white light if you add equal parts of each of the three primary colors: red, green, and blue. All three colors are required to produce white and the absence of all three produces black. In additive mixing, the RGB colors are the primary colors and cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY) are the secondary colors.
CMYK (Colors you print)
The CMYK color space is based on the CMYK color model. The CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black color space is a subtractive color space, where you can mix colors based on subtracting light energy from the spectrum. The CMY inks are used to create RGB colors. All three inks are required to produce black and the absence of all three produces white. In subtractive color mixing the CMY colors are the primary colors and RGB are the secondary colors.
Gray
In the grayscale (color) space only information about the lightness is given. Lightness can range from a minimum of 0 (black) to 100 (white).
You can define the input profile if you use the [Color feel] setting [Graphics colors].
The table below gives an overview of the possible input profiles / standardization settings.
|
Input profile / standardization |
Description |
|---|---|
|
[Graphics colors: RGB input color profile] - [sRGB] |
Use this setting to indicate the color space of a standard computer monitor. sRGB is the most frequently used RGB color space, especially in consumer grade digital cameras. sRGB is acceptable for most consumer applications. The sRGB design allows easy previewing on a standard computer display. |
|
[Graphics colors: RGB input color profile] - [Adobe RGB] |
This setting indicates an RGB color space developed by Adobe in 1998. Adobe RGB has a larger gamut than sRGB. Adobe RGB is included in more medium-range digital cameras, and many professional graphic artists prefer Adobe RGB for its larger gamut. |
|
[Graphics colors: CMYK input color profile] - [Euroscale coated] |
This setting indicates an old offset press standard, formerly used in Europe to print separations and proofs on coated media. |
|
[Graphics colors: CMYK input color profile] - [Euroscale uncoated] |
This setting indicates an old offset press standard, formerly used in Europe to print separations and proofs on uncoated media |
|
[Graphics colors: CMYK input color profile] - [US Web coated (SWOP)] |
This setting indicates an old offset press standard, formerly used in the US to print separations and proofs on coated media. |
|
[Graphics colors: CMYK input color profile] - [US Web uncoated] |
This setting indicates an old offset press standard, formerly used in the US to print separations and proofs on uncoated media. |
|
[Graphics colors: CMYK input color profile] - [ISO Coated v2 300% (ECI)] |
This setting indicates an offset press standard, frequently used in Europe to print separations and proofs on coated media. Based upon Fogra39 with 300% ink limit. |
|
[Graphics colors: CMYK input color profile] - [ISO Coated v2 (ECI)] |
This setting indicates an offset press standard, used in Europe to print separations and proofs on coated media. Based upon Fogra39 with 330% ink limit. |
|
[Graphics colors: CMYK input color profile] - [PSO Uncoated ISO12647 (ECI)] |
This setting indicates an offset press standard, used in Europe to print separations and proofs on uncoated media. Based upon Fogra47. |
|
[Graphics colors: CMYK input color profile] - [Uncoated FOGRA29] |
This setting indicates an offset press standard, used in Europe to print separations and proofs on uncoated media. Based upon Fogra29. |
|
[Graphics colors: CMYK input color profile] - [GRACoL2006 Coated1v2] |
This setting indicates an offset press standard, frequently used in the US to print separations and proofs on coated media grade 1. |
|
[Graphics colors: CMYK input color profile] - [SWOP2006 Coated3v2] |
This setting indicates an offset press standard, used in the US to print separations and proofs on coated media grade 3. |
|
[Graphics colors: CMYK input color profile] - [SWOP2006 Coated5v2] |
This setting indicates an offset press standard, used in the US to print separations and proofs on coated media grade 5. |
|
[Graphics colors: Grayscale input color profile] - [Adobe Gray 20%] |
Use this setting to transform the grayscale info based upon the Adobe Gray 20% profile (Adobe specific dot gain 20%) to CMYK ink usage. |
|
[Graphics colors: Grayscale input color profile] - [sGray] |
Use this setting to transform the grayscale info based upon the sGray profile (lightness scale sRGB with gamma 2.2) to CMYK ink usage. |