Fiery Command WorkStation

Fiery Command WorkStation

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Edit a spot color

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.

Both system and custom spot colors may be edited. You cannot rename or delete system spot colors.

  1. In Spot Pro, select the spot color you wish to edit and click the Edit icon ().

    You can rename a custom spot color or a custom spot color group.

  2. Do any of the following:

    • To edit 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 edit 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 edit 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 editing. For example, CMYK and Orange and Violet separation values may be edited when a CMYKOV output profile is selected.

    • To edit a spot color visually, you can create and print spot color variations on the Variations tab. For more information, see Spot color variations.

  3. To print a test page, with a single spot color selected, click Print on the Variations tab.

    You can choose the media or substrate source and the number of variations.

    Matching spot colors accurately on a monitor is very difficult. Always print a test page to get the proper color match.

  4. Do one of the following:
    • Click Done to finish editing and to exit the Spot Pro color editor pane.
    • Click Cancel to abort editing, exit the Spot Pro color editor pane, and return to the Spot Pro color preview pane.
    • Click Save to save your edits and switch to a different spot color, without leaving the Spot Pro color editor pane.
    • On the Color Definition tab, click the Reset icon () to undo your changes.
Parent topic: Managing color
Related topics:
Spot color variations
Create spot color variations