Colour Management and Output Intent

A screen emits light; a press uses inks on a substrate. The colour model alone cannot predict the final appearance. Profiles, paper, lighting, calibration and the production process all matter.

Agree the target with the provider

• Obtain the required PDF/X variant, output condition and ICC profile. A generic profile chosen only from “coated/uncoated” labels may be wrong for the actual press.
• Preserve RGB, CMYK and spot colour intent according to that workflow. PDF/X-4 workflows may retain colour-managed RGB and live transparency; older workflows may require earlier conversion.
• Treat a detected OutputIntent as declared information, not proof that every object is correctly colour managed or that the press matches the declaration.
• Check spot-name consistency, overprint and white objects with the provider. A brand name or spot plate does not guarantee a colour match.

NowToPrint does not automatically convert RGB/spot colours to CMYK, flatten transparency or perform trapping. If the selected target makes an RGB object a finding, review that target and obtain an approved conversion in the provider's production workflow.

Total ink and black

TAC/TIC is C+M+Y+K at a location. The allowed limit depends on the paper, printing method and output profile. A four-channel 400% example is not a universal automatic rejection rule. Read measured coverage and unknown areas in the ink guide.

Fine text and large dark backgrounds may need different black recipes and overprint settings. Obtain them from the provider; this guide does not prescribe one rich-black formula for all jobs. Avoid adding Registration colour inside artwork.

A numerical colour difference is not a percentage guarantee, and no fixed “15–20% shift” applies to all RGB conversions. Use an agreed proof when appearance is critical. See preflight and PDF requirements.