The purpose of this step is to check the Media Configuration components so far, such as: media, spectrophotometer measurement condition, usage, and Total Ink Limit value.
Note that the "Gamut Check" step will be skipped when running an inline spectrophotometer in Automated mode.
Did I choose the right Media / paper?
If the intended use of this media configuration is for high quality color output proofing (usage choices: COLOR STANDARD, SPOT COLORS, or COMPROMISE), The paper white of your media configuration should be within 1.5 CIE dE00 of your color standard profile, and the color gamut estimate should be large enough. Proofing quality papers only. Photographic quality papers do not have a stable enough white point (CIE L*a*b* value) for high quality proofing.
If the paper white value is larger than 1.5 dE00, you might want to try a different spectrophotometer measurement condition. (see below). If the measurement condition is correct, and paper white L* is slightly high (up to 1 unit higher), and b* is slightly bluer (up to 2 units lower) than the target paper white; this can be corrected with a little bit of yellow paper tint. Yellow dots will lower the L* value of the paper slightly and are not visible to the eye. It is not recommended to tint the paper with any other color ink.
If the color gamut is not large enough, you might want try a higher Total Ink Limit value. (see below).
Did I choose the right Printer Resolution?
For best image quality and color consistency you should use a resolution of 720x1440, or 1200x1200 or higher.
Did I choose the right spectrophotometer measurement condition?
Most modern spectrophotometers support 3 different measurement conditions: M0, M1, and M2.
M0 = default condition with an undefined amount of ultra-violet light in the color measurement illumination. (usually, a low amount of UV light)
M1 = high amount of ultra-violet light in the color measurement illumination (as defined by color standards).
M2 = no ultra-violet light in the color measurement illumination.
CIEL*a*b* values of the paper can be shifted by measurement condition of the spectrophotometer if there are fluorescent brighteners in the paper.
| Measurement Condition | Media Fluorescent Brightener (OBA) Level | L* | a* | b* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
M0 | High | Value is higher (1 or 2 units) | Usually not effected | Value is slightly negative (bluer) by up to 2 units |
Medium | Value is slightly higher (less than 1) | Usually not effected | Value is slightly negative (bluer) by up to 1 unit | |
Low | Usually not effected | Usually not effected | Usually not effected | |
M1 | High | Value is higher (1 or 2 units) | Usually not effected | Value is negative (bluer) by up to 4 units |
Medium | Value is less high (1 or less) | Usually not effected | Value is less negative (bluer) by up to 2 units | |
Low | Value is slightly higher (less than 1) | Usually not effected | Value is slightly negative (bluer) by up to 1 unit | |
M2 | High | Usually not effected | Usually not effected | Usually not effected |
Medium | Usually not effected | Usually not effected | Usually not effected | |
Low | Usually not effected | Usually not effected | Usually not effected |
Did I choose the right Total Ink Limit Value?
The color gamut should be large enough to meet the needs of your intended use of this media configuration. If the gamut is too small you can try printing the Total Ink Limit charts and increasing the total ink limit value by 0.1 or 0.2 units; check the chart with a loupe for artifacts at these levels.