You can define the L*a*b* values or the CMYK values of a spot color by typing
the numerical values, by selecting a visual match from a pattern of color swatches, or by
measuring the color of a physical object using a measurement device.
The Spot color
matching print option automatically matches spot colors with their
best CMYK equivalents or L*a*b* values, so spot colors can be simulated using the
CMYK colorants. However, you may want to adjust the default CMYK equivalents or
L*a*b* values to achieve a better match for your specific printing conditions. You
can modify spot color definitions using Spot Pro.
-
In Spot Pro, select a spot color group or create a new
spot color group for the new spot color.
- To create a new spot color group, click .
- To create a new spot color, click .
-
Type a name for your spot color in the Spot color name
field.
-
Do any of the following:
-
To enter the
L*a*b* values directly, click in the L*, a*, or b* field and type a new
value. Use the Tab key to move from one field to
the next.
Note: You can click the arrow
next to L*a*b* to switch the editing mode to CIE LCH to enter the LCH
values directly. In the LCH mode, you may modify lightness, hue, or
chroma for the selected spot color.
-
Click
Measure to measure the L*a*b* values and
follow the on-screen instructions.
Select a
measurement instrument from the available list.
-
To enter the
CMYK percentage values directly, click in the C, M, Y, or K field and
type a new value. Use the Tab key to move from
one field to the next.
The separation
values are computed based on the selected output profile for the given
media or substrate. This may be particularly useful to remove
contaminants or visual artifacts, such as spotting, or a cloudy
appearance caused by black or cyan dots. For CMYK+ profiles, the
respective ink separation is available for entry. For example, CMYK and
Orange and Violet separation values may be entered when a CMYKOV output
profile is selected.
-
To print a test page, click the
arrow next to Variations and select Print.
You may choose
the patch layout for the variations, and select the media or substrate
source.
Matching spot
colors accurately on a monitor is very difficult. Always print a test page
to get the proper color match.
-
Do one of the following:
- Click
Cancel to abort creating a new spot color, exit
the Spot Pro color editor
pane, and return to the Spot Pro color preview pane.
- Click
Save to save your spot color,
without leaving the Spot Pro color editor pane.
- Click
Done to finish creating a new spot color and to
exit the Spot Pro color
editor pane.
