Before you can print a color document, the document's color data must be converted to the printer's gamut.

Whether performed by the Fiery server or a host-based CMS, converting color data for a printer is the same process: The CMS interprets RGB object data according to a specified source profile and adjusts both RGB and CMYK data according to a specified output profile. (Some color management systems call this a destination profile.)

The source profile defines the RGB color space of the object's source: characteristics such as the white point, gamma, and type of phosphor used. The output profile defines the gamut of a printer or offset press. The Fiery server (or host-based CMS) uses a device-independent color space to translate between the source color space and the color space of the printer or offset press.

1.	Input data
2.	Source profile
3.	Device-independent color space
4.	Output profile
5.	Printed output

The Fiery server lets you specify default and override settings for the source color space information and the output profile information. When you use these settings, you do not need to use the features of other color management systems. Your Fiery server software includes ICC profiles for use with other color management systems, although conflicts may arise when the Fiery server CMS is used in conjunction with a host CMS.

Color management systems can also adjust color data to the gamut of a printer or offset press other than the one to which you are printing. This process of simulating another printer or offset press is commonly used for proofing jobs that will be printed on another printer or offset press.

The type of print job and the Fiery server or offset press determines the workflow that provides the best results.