Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
we still can't perform color edits for a destination space while residing in
an RGB working space with the level of accuracy needed to edit for
CMYK.
Also, I can't independently adjust the black channel because it does
not exist in a real sense until a conversion is done to CMYK. This limit-
ing factor requires commercial print production facilities to take the job
files and do a conversion immediately to a CMYK output space regard-
less of whether the intended device is known or not. From then on we
lose the ability to repurpose these files for multiple devices unless the
file(s) go through another round of conversions such as back to RGB or
converted via a Device Link CMYK-to-CMYK conversion. Unfortunately,
there are problems with both of these approaches.
The process of taking a CMYK file, converting it into RGB, and then
doing a conversion back to another CMYK output space, converts all
single-color black objects into four-color, which basically loses the ability
to retain such things as one-color drop shadows. This process can be
useful for the repurposing of existing CMYK files that are not required
to retain single-color blacks, like noncontract proofing ink-jet systems,
but these converted files are seen as garbage to most commercial service
providers because they have been cross-rendered and are no longer con-
sidered a contract reproducible file for print.
One type of Device Link conversion is a unique process that is outside
the environment of ICC. This type of Device Link profile is a CMYK-to-
CMYK conversion process without a trip through LAB color space, which
is unavoidable when using ICC conversions. A four-dimensional color
conversion can preserve black-only objects, but it still generates multiple
output files, which is completely looked down upon, as I've stated before.
There are third-party plug-ins that can perform this conversion at the
user application level, but then again, were looking at the same
quagmire.
ADR:
What CMS work flow issues need resolving?
MO:
A process control work flow architecture built upon the exist-
ing color management foundation that the printing industry can utilize
to control color. What else!
Users are looking toward color management as a solid solution to
color control or what I'd call process control at the file level. Process
control is not just seen as a device parameter, and is grossly missing
within the current ideology of managing color. Simply put, an RGB work
flow is not a viable solution for commercial print in its current develop-
ment. What needs to transpire before we can get any kind of order within
the commercial sector is something along the lines of a formal color
work flow.
My proposal to the people in charge of development is to offer an
environment where a user would edit RGB files for CMYK requirements
without the user ever actually knowing they are in RGB, unless they
