1. For: Process Magazine
Color Management: Monitors and calibration
By Tom Gadbois, North American Graphics Specialist, Eizo Displays
It goes without saying, that designers are supremely interested and focused on color. Color is
the foundation of design communication. But attractive, eye-catching design is not all that we should be
concerned with. One of the aspects of color often overlooked is utilizing inaccurate proofing methods.
Even more importantly, too many of us are not engaging in the process of measuring color and
preparing work to integrate easily into workflow. The result of doing this leads to issues down the line, if
not for you, for someone else. We have all created files that did not match output, or became dismayed
when we changed paper midstream. Maybe you have shown a file at a meeting that did not represent
the intended color well. Many of us work on one or more computer systems, for example an office
workstation, laptop and mobile device. This means we have a variety of displays we work on. It is typical
to have work look great on your laptop only to come back to the office and have it look quite different.
And, who knows what happens once the work if forwarded to the next step.
However, there is hope. If you don’t physically measure for color accuracy yet, it is coming your way.
We already see photographers and some design groups employing color management techniques. For
example, we have recently worked with the apparel companies J.Crew and Abercrombie and Fitch to
outfit their designers for displays with external and integrated calibration tools to solidify color
workflow. Brands from Mattel to General Mills use extensive color management in creating images. In
so many cases, your designs are passed on to publications, advertisers, print and packaging entities. The
best-of-breed at such companies currently have standardized, measureable and predictable workflow
from the start. These companies will often dictate how files can be accepted by establishing criteria and
requiring file and color preparation. However you approach it, there are things you can do to control
color. The more you control the less variability influences output.
Let’s face it. There is no shortage of designers out there. Measuring for accurate color will help in
differentiating you as a freelancer and provide less variability for your company. In today’s graphics
world it is necessary not only to provide good, creative designing, but separate yourself from the pack.
Basic color management will give you the edge and make it possible to guarantee more consistent
results to your clients. That translates into more productivity from you and for your client- and that
means money. So, it is interesting that many designers are unfamiliar with the basic color tuning for the
machines used to create and view color. The good news is there are combinations of affordable and
easy to use tools to assist in gaining color consistency, accuracy and dependability. Second, you no
longer have to be a color scientist to have good color workflow. And, if needed, there are graphic
consultants and resellers who can coach you on the tools and knowledge necessary for predictable color
without spending on a big-brand budget.

2. Displays
We all know the basic brands, Apple, HP, Samsung, Dell, etcetera. Alas, there are many display options.
If you use one of these, and especially if you integrate a laptop into your work, you should at least use a
measuring device to calibrate the displays. In this case you use a calibration tool which measures color
and controls the lookup table on the video controller in the computer. (This is called software
calibration). This is a good basic procedure, and though you will gain needed consistency, there are
more accurate solutions. There are a few companies that have introduced necessary features for
graphic applications into their monitors. Eizo is known for having the most dependable monitors for
color applications. Selecting a good reference display is the first component of a color accurate
workflow.
Choosing a monitor-
• Name brand with good warranty
• Real color and brightness controls
• Hardware calibration vs. software type
• Higher dynamic range- (up to) 16-bit vs. 8-bit desktop
• Uniformity control
• Accurate color mixture (R+G+B= white)
• Gray balance control
• Time metering
• Brightness stabilization
• Color and profile verification
• Individual factory quality control
• FOGRA/ SWOP certifications (these standards for print take all the work out of choosing.)
Some laptops have integrated calibration features, like Lenovo. These are great for single-computer use,
but have a downside that they do not integrate well with the rest of your peripherals.
Calibration
Displays- There are two kinds of monitor calibration, software and hardware. A colorimeter (or
spectrophotometer) is used to measure monitor. First, you set your parameters, like color temperature,
gamma and other display settings. The monitor shows a set of patches, usually black, white, red, green
and blue. Some packages allow for a file of color patches to be imported. This file can show a larger set
of target colors. You simply use the measuring device to process these colors and create a profile of the
monitor.
in addition to displays, there are several areas that you can apply practices for consistency and accuracy.
Using the more advanced instruments and software, you can further control color. Integrating displays,
peripherals, lighting and measuring devices can be done with a measuring device and software.

3. Analyzing what tools to use to measure your color can be confusing. Price is not the only consideration.
It is important to match capabilities and features to what you are trying to achieve. Also, it may be
interesting to explore what your clients and partners use, so you can communicate files effectively. Here
is a quick look at some popular packages from X-Rite and Datacolor:
Under $200- Colormunki, Spyder 4 Pro-These entry-level colorimeters allow you to calibrate your display
Under $300- I1 Display Pro, Spyder 4 Elite- These units allow for calibration of multiple displays,
projectors and ambient light. The Spyder even allows for mobile device calibration.
Under $400-Colormunki Design- This device allows for simple monitor and print calibration. It also
integrates a Pantone color matching app that is well suited for designers. Ambient light measurement is
integrated.
Above $500 -I1 Pro-Basic Pro, Spyder 4 Studio- These packages are the more complete Pro-level
calibration for printers and displays, and integrate profiles for device-specific calibration. These offer the
best in professional workflow consistency. These units allow for measurement of ambient Illumination
and Illuminant. (Ambient light and the Color temperature of light).
Printer calibration-Measuring the color from your printer gives you the conditions of print-to-monitor
match ensuring true soft-proofing without the need to send paper proofs all over the countryside.
Printers are all individually unique, so measuring output increases consistency. The typical method is to
print out a color target, and measure with your instrument. If you can manage to make the set of colors
the same as the colors you measure on your displays, you are even better off.
Paper emulation- Measurement to account for differences in paper can bring amazing color accuracy
results, and make it easier to utilize a variety of substrates. Paper emits color reflectively while monitors
are emissive. When you measure monitor white to match paper white the results from monitor and
print are more accurate. A truly accurate measurement of paper can be achieved with correct lighting.
Lighting- Precise and consistent light is a cornerstone to good proof viewing. It is proper to have a
standardized balanced light source, or light booth. You can however, at least get standard bulbs for your
work area, and measure the ambient light condition with certain instruments. Change in ambient
lighting creates unwanted color variability.
Mobile device emulation-Some vendors are offering solutions that take into account the use of phones
and tablets. Mobile devices are not color accurate, but we are all starting to use them in business
workflow. So, it makes sense to treat mobile devices in a controlled manner.
Communication- Though not measureable, the exchange of information about how files should be
prepared, and what viewing systems will be used and how they are measured can have a very desirable
effect on how you work with your client and deliver results.

4. Where to buy- All of us have purchased product from PC and Apple dealers online to get the best prices,
but, a true graphics and color reseller can add true value to this venture. First, they can point you in the
direction of what your budget and needs are to get the best of what is available. Second they can
provide consultation toward use, integration and results. These entities are used to working with the
top-level companies employing serious color management and have the technical background and
understanding. However, they are usually boutique shops and are used to handling the requirements of
the freelancer and small business. I highly recommend a true color dealer.
In the end, you can buy install and utilize these tools to create a predictable, consistent color product
which will benefit you and your client. Most importantly, it will increase your credibility by making you
and your company more desirable to work with. A little investigation and investment in the gear, and
these types of procedures will go a long way to providing precise color expectations. And, the materials
available to do this with have evolved allowing ease of use with simple interface. Happy designing!
Tom is a 15-year veteran of display manufacturing and has spent the last 10 years with Eizo. As the Graphics
Specialist, his responsibilities include technical sales, and channel and partner development in the photography,
print and motion picture markets. He also contributes to Idealliance and other industry standards organizations.
He can be reached at thomas.gadbois@eizo.com