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EMAIL:custservice@macaran.com
A HANDY GUIDE TO DESIGNING FOR FLEXOGRAPHY
CHAPTER 4 - FOUR COLOR PROCESS ART
understanding dot gain • highlight areas • supplying a color target • proofing
Supplying a Color Target
As you release your designs for print, if a color target exists, please send it on to the pre-press department. A color target is a depiction of the four color process area that you intend Macaran to match on press. Depending upon the type of target, prepress can usually determine early on in the proofing process if it is achievable. Here are some limitations specific to the color targets that are most commonly sent to us.
Type of Color Target | Limitations |
Previously Printed Sample |
Does not factor in macarans dot gain. May not have been imaged through a digital platemaking system. Substrates, inks, anilox selection and press would likely be differences that entail color correction on the part of the prepress department. |
High End Proof generated by a service provider |
Does not factor in macarans dot gain. It’s never on the same substrate the job eventually prints on. It may be a continous tone proof that does not show dot structure. Does not simulate primers, laminates or rotary screen white effects |
Low End Laser Proofs |
Does not factor in macarans dot gain. It’s never on the same substrate the job eventually prints on. It always a continous tone proof that does not show dot structure. Laser printers depict critical highlight areas and ink tone completely different than an actual printed piece. The results cause some designs to fall completely out of the spectrum that even high end flexographic printers can normally print within. |
Epson Stylus Pro with GMG Colorproof software
All four color process art is proofed using a high-end Epson Stylus Pro with GMG colorproof software. With GMG color proof, Macaran's prepress department can now build accurate color profiles that simulate specific pressroom conditions. Dot gain, ink and substrate hue, laminates and overcoats are just a few of the variables that are built directly into a given profile. The resulting benefit to our new system is the creation of an accurate proof, that once approved, will automatically reduce pressroom makeready times. For more on GMG Colorproof software click here.
