Frequently Asked Questions (Faq) About Color Printing - Lexmark C530 Color Quality Manual

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Color Adjust

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about color printing

What is RGB color?
Red, green, and blue light can be added together in various amounts to produce a large range of colors observed
in nature. For example, red and green can be combined to create yellow. Televisions and computer monitors create
colors in this manner. RGB color is a method of describing colors by indicating the amount of red, green, or blue
needed to produce a certain color.
What is CMYK color?
Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks or toners can be printed in various amounts to produce a large range of colors
observed in nature. For example, cyan and yellow can be combined to create green. Printing presses, inkjet printers,
and color laser printers create colors in this manner. CMYK color is a method of describing colors by indicating the
amount of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black needed to reproduce a particular color.
How is color specified in a document to be printed?
Software programs typically specify document color using RGB or CMYK color combinations. Additionally, they
commonly let users modify the color of each object in a document. For more information, see the software program
Help section.
How does the printer know what color to print?
When a user prints a document, information describing the type and color of each object is sent to the printer. The
color information is passed through color conversion tables that translate the color into appropriate amounts of cyan,
magenta, yellow, and black toner needed to produce the desired color. The object type information lets different
color conversion tables be used for different types of objects. For example, it is possible to apply one type of color
conversion table to text while applying a different color conversion table to photographic images.
Should I use PostScript or PCL emulation printer software? What settings should I use for the best color?
The PostScript driver is strongly recommended for best color quality. The default settings in the PostScript driver
provide preferred color quality for the majority of printouts.
Why doesn't the printed color match the color I see on the computer screen?
The color conversion tables used in Auto Color Correction mode generally approximate the colors of a standard
computer monitor. However, because of technology differences that exist between printers and monitors, there are
many colors that can also be affected by monitor variations and lighting conditions. For recommendations on how
the printer color sample pages may be useful in solving certain color-matching problems, see the question, "How
can I match a particular color (such as a color in a corporate logo)?"
Description
Initiates a recalibration of color conversion tables and allows the
printer to make adjustments for color variations in output
Notes:
•
Calibrating starts when this menu is selected.
Calibrating appears on the display until the process is
finished.
•
Color variations in output sometimes result from
changeable conditions such as room temperature and
humidity. Color adjustments are made on printer
algorithms. Color alignment is also recalibrated in this
process.
Color quality guide
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