A calibration measures the current color values that the proofer can reach and, if necessary, applies any compensation needed for consistent color reproduction.
Important: To maintain consistent color, perform calibrations on a regular basis and always after a software upgrade.
For each new media configuration, an initial calibration captures the baseline color values that the proofer can reproduce for the specified media type, ink set, and resolution. Subsequent calibrations compare the proofer’s color response to the baseline, according to configured tolerances and the referenced proofer ICC profile.
Because proofer color can drift over time, calibrate every seven days for best results. You can adjust the tolerances during the calibration process, if desired.
Calibrated versus uncalibrated printing
If using Certified Process for Color Confirmation, the proofer must be calibrated for the media configuration that is used to print the proof, and the calibration must be current (within the past seven days). Otherwise, the proof will fail.
For proofs that are not color-critical, you can use Kodak Proofing Software to print proofs without first calibrating the proofer for the media configuration. Uncalibrated proofers should not be used for color-critical proofs.
The Proofer Administrator's Calibration window displays all the enabled media configurations that you can calibrate with your proofer. It also displays the calibration status for each media. After selecting a media configuration, you can launch calibration with the Calibrate button.
| Name column | Displays the names of the media configurations that you can calibrate with your proofer. |
| Status column | The date and time when the calibration was last checked. If the calibration has never been checked, the date and time when the calibration was completed appears. |
| Action column | Indicates when to calibrate. If you canceled a Precision Color calibration, or the Precision Color calibration failed, the Action column displays Resume calibration to let you know that you can resume the calibration if you want. When the Action column displays Calibrate, select the media configuration, and click the Calibrate button. |
| The Precision Color Calibration wizard was used for the last calibration of this media configuration. |
| The media configuration is scheduled for automatic calibration. |
| The media configuration is calibrated. |
When do I create a calibration?
- When you first install the proofer
- When you upgrade the software
- When you add a new media configuration
- When you move the proofer
- When the Action column in the Calibration window recommends it
Calibrations expire after seven days. Certified Process for Color Confirmation requires calibration within the past seven days.
What do I need to create a calibration?
- Time–the calibration process can take up to an hour, or more. The printer cannot perform any other function until calibration completes.
- Proofer Client software—the version must match the licensed Controller software version.
- An adequate supply of media loaded on the proofer
- The media configuration for the media that is loaded on the proofer
- A compatible spectrophotometer and measurement condition
- If in demo mode, a simulated Matchprint Inkjet proofer (the spectrophotometer and reference chart are also simulated)
How do I create a calibration?
- In Proofer Viewer, click Calibration.
- From the Name list, select the media configuration for the media that is loaded on the proofer.
- Click Calibrate.
- Follow the instructions in the Precision Color Calibration wizard.
What does the Precision Color Calibration wizard do?
To calibrate a Matchprint Inkjet proofer for the current state of the proofer, media, ink, and so on, the Precision Color Calibration wizard guides you through the following tasks:
- Selecting a spectrophotometer
- Printing a reference chart
- If using an offline spectrophotometer, mounting the chart for measuring
- Measuring the reference chart
- Evaluating the measurement results
- Viewing additional information about the measurement results
- Deciding when to accept a calibration when its measurements are within tolerance
- Accepting a calibration
When you accept a calibration, the Calibration wizard finishes, and the inkjet proofer is calibrated.
Aspects of the calibration process can differ, depending on whether you are using an inline or offline spectrophotometer.
Inline spectrophotometer
If you are using an inline spectrophotometer, you can:
- Operate the Calibration wizard in automated mode if automated calibration is enabled in the media configuration.
- Switch between automated and manual mode at any time.
- Schedule a calibration.
If you are using an inline spectrophotometer, you cannot:
- Pause and resume a calibration
- Calibrate sheet media using an Epson Stylus Pro 7900 or 9900 inline spectrophotometer. Epson Stylus Pro x900 inline spectrophotometers can calibrate roll media only. To calibrate sheet media, use an offline spectrophotometer.
- Calibrate media configurations with white ink enabled on clear media using an Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 inline spectrophotometer. Use an offline spectrophotometer instead.
Offline spectrophotometer
If you are using an offline spectrophotometer, you can pause and resume a manual calibration, but you cannot operate the Calibration wizard in automated mode or schedule a calibration.
Interrupted calibrations
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| Parent topic: Matchprint Inkjet media configuration and calibration |