Appendix A: Desktop Color Primer; The Properties Of Color; The Physics Of Color - Xerox Fiery color server User Manual

A
A-1 Desktop Color Primer
Appendix A:
Desktop
Color Primer
This appendix covers concepts that are basic to printing in color, including:
• Properties of color
• Printing techniques
• Effective use of color
• Raster images and vector images
• File optimization for processing and printing
If you are already familiar with color theory and digital color printing, you can skip to
the last section ("Optimizing files for processing and printing"
on optimizing files for printing.

The properties of color

This section introduces concepts that are basic to color theory. You will encounter
some of these concepts (such as hue, saturation, and brightness) when you work with
color in applications; others provide useful background information. Color is a complex
topic, so consider this a starting point for experimentation and further research.

The physics of color

The human eye can see electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths between
400 nanometers (purplish blue) and 700 nanometers (red). This range is called the
visible spectrum of light. We see pure
colors. Sunlight at midday, which we perceive as white or neutral light, is composed
of light from across the visible spectrum in more or less equal proportions.
on page A-16) for tips
spectral light as intensely saturated or pure