Tools for Color Matching

Our June-issue sourcelist of color-measurement instruments (p. 56) addressed colorimeters, densitometers, and spectrophotometers.
But don't neglect other types of tools that also can help you when it comes to color matching, including IT8 targets and reference
cards, color guides, and color-viewing devices. This “mini sourcelist” of noteworthy items includes basic information on each tool; visit
the companies' websites for more information.

Fuji
www.enovationgraphics.com

Fuji's IT8.7 targets are used for making
ICC profiles for scanners, digital cameras,
and printers. The targets consist of color
patches, which are read by color-measuring
devices to use as a basis for color profiles.
The targets are offered with either
“custom” data (calibrated; with colorimetric
data specific to that target) or “batchmeasured”
data (averaged, with data
averaged from 50 targets).

GATF
www.gain.net

The Digital Proof Comparator, from the
Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF),
contains targets that measure the exposure,
resolution, and directional effects of
an imaging system and its reproduction
characteristics.

GATF's Digital Test Form Version 5.0 is
an 8.5 x 11-in. form designed to test digital
proofers and presses.

GTI Graphic Technology
www.gtilite.com

GTI's Graphiclite VPI Vertical Print Inspection
Station has specially designed lighting
for the controlled color inspection of
large-format digital images. It features a
Graphiclite 100 Color Viewing Lamp, highefficiency
reflectors, and spectrally neutral,
non-yellowing diffusers. Three sizes
are available: 40 x 45.25, 52 x 45.25, and
64 x 45.25 in. Options include variable
intensity for soft-proof comparisons, a
height-adjustable lower ledge, and sidewalls
for stricter control of ambient light.
For soft proofing, the VPI Station can
accommodate a computer and monitor,
with variable intensity for optimum monitor
match.

Also available: the GTI ColorMatcher
Series of lightboxes in three standard sizes
(as well as larger custom sizes).

Just Normlicht
www.just-normlicht.de

Just Normlicht's Wide Format Viewing
Station allows for proofing of large-format
prints up to 81 in. wide. The Station features
a digital hour meter with LED display
to remind users when to exchange
light tubes and an integrated bottom light
source. Featuring a 5000 Kelvin color
temperature with a Color Rendering Index
of 98, the Station comes in three sizes: 56
x 87.75, 67.75 x 87.75, and 88.5 x 89.25 in.
(all are 31-in. deep).

The Image Pro 5000 XL (32.5 x 25 x
13.5 in. deep) features D50″?5000 Kelvin
lighting, compliant with ISO standards, as
well as a Color Rendering Index of 98.

Kodak
www.kodak.com

Kodak Professional's Q-60 Targets (IT8 targets)
are for use by prepress houses, professional
photographers, and desktop publishers.
The targets are available on Kodak
Professional Endura Paper in 5 x 7-in. sizes.

LaserSoft Imaging
www.silverfast.com

LaserSoft Imaging offers 5 x 7-in. IT.8
Scanner Calibration Targets on Fuji Professional
Paper as well as Digital Camera
Targets in Studio and Pocket versions. The
camera targets help users get better
dynamic range from images and develop
ICC profiles; they feature a focusing aid
and graycard on the back for precise
white balance and an integrated barcode.

Pantone
www.pantone.com

Pantone's color bridge, previously known
as the Pantone Solid to Process Guide, is a
color reference that can be used to: select
and specify solid Pantone colors on
coated stock; determine how a Pantone
color will appear when reproduced in
CMYK; and create optimal display of Pantone
Colors on monitors and Web pages.

The company also offers its Pantone
Formula Guides (for solid matte, solid
uncoated, and solid coated media) for
graphic designers, prepress professionals,
and printers to match Pantone colors.

PrintTools.org
www.printtools.org

PrintTools.org (an Internet-based resource
from graphics-industry groups including
Gracol, Idealliance, IPA, and SWOP) offers T-Reference
Cards. Consisting of a printed
sample of white, yellow, cyan, and black
SWOP patches, these cards are a printed
standard-reference material for publishers
who want to control color reproduction.