Using Color Effectively; A Few Rules Of Thumb - Oki ES3640eMFP Reference Manual

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A-98 Desktop Color Primer
Some color printers are commonly referred to as
(contone) devices. They do not use traditional halftone screen
patterns and angles. Contone devices are capable of varying the
intensity of individual dots.
Even if your color printing is done exclusively on the Fiery, you will
encounter concepts from offset printing if you use high-end
graphics applications. For example, color controls in illustration
applications, such as Adobe Illustrator, are geared toward
specifying color for offset printing using process and
Many applications allow you to specify the screening used for each
printing plate.

Using color effectively

The ability to print in color can greatly increase the effectiveness
of your message, whether you are printing a presentation or
newsletter (short-run printing), or proofing an ad concept that will
later be printed on a press (color proofing). Some potential
benefits of using color include:
• Conveying information rapidly by using color cues
• Making use of the emotive aspects of different colors
• Increasing impact and message retention
Color can also be a source of distraction and discord if it is used
poorly. This section outlines some tips and concepts to consider as
you approach designing color materials.

A few rules of thumb

Try some of the following strategies for creating successful color
materials:
• Use color to aid comprehension, rather than applying colors
indiscriminately. In color presentations, graphs, and charts, use
color to highlight patterns and emphasize differences.
ES3640e MFP Color Reference Guide - 98
continuous tone
spot colors.