Monitor Calibration

Color on printed jobs can be very difficult to predict by relying on your computer monitor.

Monitors use combinations of the primary colors Red, Green and Blue (RGB) via transmitted light. Process Color printing presses use the primary colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (CMYK) via reflected light. While monitors can be calibrated to some extent, these basic differences make it impossible for a monitor to exactly predict final results in print.

The RGB range of colors (called "color gamut") is greater than the CMYK gamut, so if users rely too heavily on how colors look on their monitor, the printed results can be surprising. See About Color for more on color theory and these color models.

To help predict color on a printed piece, use a color swatch book, such as a Pantone Process Color book, since it shows accurate CMYK colors using standard density inks like ours. If you calibrate your monitor to a swatch book, it can help correct gross color inaccuracies.

Additionally, our "Monitor Calibration Guide" is available in print format. This will help correct serious color problems and bring your monitor more in line with Process Color (CMYK) printing. Go to Order Samples to order this guide. Download the PDFs of this card by clicking on the images below, to begin the calibration process.

For color-critical jobs, order an Epson 7600 hard copy "Best Color" proof when you place your print order. See Proofing Your Job for more information on proofing options.