The calibration of all peripheral devices that feature in the production of colour images (monitors, scanners, colour printers etc.). For example, by using a colour management system, the data from a scanner is converted into values for a standard colour range. The data is then arranged so that the printer can produce good colour prints.
Matching colours between an original image, scanner, monitor, colour printer and final press sheet.
A system-level framework that may be used by applications for translating colors from the gamut of one device to the gamut of another device. Apple ColorSync for Mac OS and Microsoft ICM 2.0 for Windows are each an example of a CMS
A system of control over the input and output devices on how they interpret the colours they are using. This is often done in an image manipulation software program such as Photoshop before printing, or for production based environments where more accurate and consistent results are required, RIP software will be used that contains colour profiles created to match colours when printing on different colours of papers. This process of getting the file to a correct stage is often referred to as proofing. See also: RIP and Workflow.
An advanced technology that uses profiles of the input and output devices to maximize color accuracy. Targets that include over 3000 colours are printed and measured with a colorimeter to create profiles for the various ink/media combinations.