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Understanding the Challenge

The fundamental problem: Your screen uses light (RGB), printers use ink (CMYK). They can’t show the same colors.
Critical Truth: Your screen will NEVER show exact print colors. Accept this, plan for it, work with it.

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Why Colors Shift

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The RGB/CMYK Gap

How it works: Additive color (adds light)Colors: Red + Green + Blue lightGamut: Wide range of colorsBrightest: Pure light = very bright colorsExample: Neon blues, bright greens, vivid orangesYour monitor: Shows RGB

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Other Factors

Your monitor may be:
  • Too bright
  • Too saturated
  • Wrong color temperature
  • Not calibrated
Result: You see incorrect colorsImpact: Design looks different than realitySolution: Monitor calibration (if serious about color)
Different papers = Different results:Coated (glossy/matte):
  • Brighter colors
  • Less ink absorption
  • More vibrant
Uncoated (natural):
  • Duller colors
  • More ink absorption
  • Softer appearance
Same ink, different paper = Different colorMatch: ICC profile to paper type
Viewing conditions matter:Daylight: Colors appear different Fluorescent: Cool, blue-ish cast Incandescent: Warm, yellow-ish cast LED: Varies by bulbStandard: D50 or D65 viewing booth (pro use)Practical: View in same lighting as final use
Variables:
  • Printer calibration
  • Ink batch
  • Press operator
  • Humidity, temperature
Result: Slight variation run-to-runNormal: ±5% color variationCritical work: Use spot colors (Pantone)

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Strategies for Color Accuracy

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Strategy 1: Design CMYK-Friendly

1

Know Problem Colors

Avoid or adjust:Very difficult to print:
  • Neon/fluorescent colors
  • Bright electric blue (RGB 0,100,255)
  • Vivid lime green (RGB 0,255,0)
  • Intense orange (RGB 255,100,0)
Why: Outside CMYK gamutSolution: Use more muted versions or spot colors
2

Use CMYK Color Picker

In Figma: Use HEX/RGB but think CMYKExternal tools:
  • Adobe Color
  • Coolors.co (CMYK mode)
  • Pantone Color Finder
Pick colors: Within CMYK gamutResult: Less shift when converting
3

Test Early

Don’t wait until final:
  1. Design in RGB
  2. Convert to CMYK early (Printery preview)
  3. See how colors shift
  4. Adjust if needed
  5. Continue designing
Benefit: No surprises at end
4

Embrace Limitations

Accept: Print won’t be as vibrant as screenDesign for print: Not screenTip: Design in slightly higher saturation
  • Accounts for CMYK dulling
  • But don’t go extreme
Balance: Between screen and print reality

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Strategy 2: Use Correct ICC Profile

Best source: Your chosen print shopQuestion: “What ICC profile should I use?”They’ll specify:
  • Profile name (e.g., ISO Coated v2)
  • Or provide custom .icc file
Use exactly: What they recommend✅ Most reliable approach

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Strategy 3: Use Pantone for Critical Colors

Brand colors: Logo, brand identityOut-of-gamut colors: Bright colors CMYK can’t matchConsistency: Same color every timeExample:
Logo: Pantone 2925 C (brand blue)
vs.
CMYK approximation: C100 M50 Y0 K0 (close but varies)
Cost: Additional plate, but worth itSee: Spot Colors Guide

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Strategy 4: Order Physical Proofs

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Why Physical Proofs Matter

Screen preview: Approximate at bestPhysical proof: TruthShows:
  • Actual printed colors
  • Paper texture effect
  • Finish (gloss/matte)
  • Quality
Cost: $10-100 depending on projectWorth it: Prevents $1000+ mistakes
2

Types of Proofs

Digital proof (free):
  • PDF review on screen
  • Checks layout, text
  • Color NOT accurate
Inkjet proof ($10-30):
  • Desktop inkjet printer
  • Somewhat close to final
  • Different inks/paper
Press proof ($50-200):
  • Actual press, actual paper
  • Most accurate
  • Expensive but exact
Online services ($20-50):
  • Many printers offer proof option
  • Good middle ground
3

What to Check

When proof arrives:Colors:
  • Close to expectations?
  • Acceptable shifts?
  • Any surprises?
Quality:
  • Text sharp?
  • Images clear?
  • No defects?
Layout:
  • Everything positioned correctly?
  • Nothing cut off?
  • Bleed adequate?
Approve or Adjust: Based on proof
4

Making Adjustments

If colors off:
  1. Note which colors need adjustment
  2. Adjust in Figma (more/less saturation)
  3. Re-export
  4. Order new proof
  5. Repeat until satisfied
Common adjustments:
  • Blues: Often need more saturation in design
  • Reds: Usually close, minor tweaks
  • Greens: May need adjustment
  • Black: Check if rich black needed

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Strategy 5: Soft Proofing

Definition: Simulating print colors on screenHow: Using ICC profiles + softwareTools:
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Some other apps
Limitation: Still screen, not perfectBenefit: Better than nothing

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Monitor Calibration

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For Serious Color Work

Uncalibrated monitors:
  • Too bright/dark
  • Wrong colors
  • Inconsistent
Result: Designing blindCalibrated monitor:
  • Accurate colors
  • Correct brightness
  • Industry standard
Impact: Design what you intend
Hardware calibrators (recommended):
  • X-Rite i1Display Pro ($200-300)
  • Datacolor SpyderX ($150-250)
  • X-Rite ColorMunki ($100-200)
How they work:
  • Sensor measures screen output
  • Software creates profile
  • Corrects monitor colors
Frequency: Monthly or quarterlyWorth it: For professional work
Free but less accurate:Steps:
  1. Let monitor warm up (30 min)
  2. Set brightness: ~120 cd/m²
  3. Adjust color temperature: 6500K (D65)
  4. Use system calibration:
    • Mac: System Preferences → Displays → Color → Calibrate
    • Windows: Display settings → Calibrate
Limitation: Subjective, not preciseBetter than: Nothing
For accurate assessment:Lighting:
  • Neutral (not colored)
  • Consistent brightness
  • Avoid glare on screen
Ideal: D50 viewing booth (pro studios)Practical: Controlled office lightingAvoid: Direct sunlight, colored walls

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Common Color Issues & Solutions

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Issue 1: Blues Too Dull

Problem: Bright blue on screen → Muddy blue in print Why: Blue is outside CMYK gamut Solutions:
  1. Accept: Some dulling is inevitable
  2. Design with duller blue: Closer to CMYK limit
  3. Use Pantone: Exact blue (Pantone 2925 C, etc.)
  4. Increase saturation in design: Compensate for loss
Test: Convert to CMYK preview early

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Issue 2: Colors Look Different Per Print Run

Problem: First batch different from second batch Why: Ink variation, press calibration, humidity Normal: ±5% variation is industry standard Solutions:
  1. Accept variation: If minor
  2. Use Pantone: More consistent
  3. Specify tolerance: With printer (+/- range)
  4. Order extra: First run, avoid re-orders
Critical work: Spot colors only

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Issue 3: Black Looks Weak

Problem: Black not deep enough Why: Using pure black (K100 only) Solutions:
  1. Use rich black: C60 M40 Y40 K100
  2. Printery: Auto rich black setting
  3. Specify: Rich black for large areas
When to use:
  • Backgrounds: Rich black
  • Text: Pure black (K100)
See: Black Handling Guide

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Issue 4: Gradients Have Banding

Problem: Smooth gradient on screen → Visible steps in print Why:
  • Not enough color steps
  • Compression too high
  • Short gradient distance
Solutions:
  1. Longer gradients: More space = smoother
  2. More color steps: Increase DPI
  3. Lower compression: 95% vs 85%
  4. Add noise: 1-2% noise masks banding
  5. Use spot varnish: Overlay gloss effect
Test: Physical proof before bulk

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Issue 5: White Looks Cream/Yellow

Problem: White background prints yellowish Why:
  • Paper natural color (not pure white)
  • Uncoated paper (more yellow)
  • Lighting conditions
Solutions:
  1. Choose brighter paper: Premium white stock
  2. Coated vs uncoated: Coated whiter
  3. Design choice: Embrace natural paper tone
  4. White ink: Special (rare, expensive)
Reality: Paper white ≠ screen white

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Color Matching Workflow

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Professional Approach

1

1. Design Phase

  • Design in RGB (easier)
  • Use brand colors (get Pantone if critical)
  • Avoid problem colors (neon, bright blue)
  • Check CMYK preview periodically
2

2. Pre-Flight

  • Convert to CMYK (Printery)
  • Review color shifts
  • Adjust if needed
  • Use correct ICC profile
3

3. Export

  • Configure settings:
    • CMYK: Yes
    • ICC Profile: Correct one
    • Rendering Intent: Relative Colorimetric
    • Black: Automatic
  • Add spot colors if needed
  • Export PDF
4

4. Soft Proof

  • Open PDF in Acrobat
  • Enable CMYK proof setup
  • Review appearance
  • Check for major issues
5

5. Order Physical Proof

  • Submit to printer
  • Request proof
  • Wait for arrival
  • Review in person
6

6. Evaluate Proof

  • View in good lighting
  • Compare to expectations
  • Check all colors
  • Note any adjustments needed
7

7. Adjust (if needed)

  • Return to Figma
  • Make color corrections
  • Re-export PDF
  • Order new proof
  • Repeat until satisfied
8

8. Approve Production

  • Colors acceptable ✓
  • Quality good ✓
  • Give final approval
  • Production begins

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Realistic Expectations

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What to Expect

Normal color shift:
  • Blues: 10-20% duller
  • Greens: 5-15% duller
  • Reds: 5-10% shift
  • Neutrals: Minimal change
Acceptable:
  • Slight overall dulling
  • Some vibrance loss
  • Paper texture showing through
  • Minor variation batch-to-batch
Not acceptable:
  • Completely wrong colors
  • Extreme shifts
  • Unpredictable results
  • Major quality issues
When to complain: If results drastically different from proof

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Setting Client Expectations

Communicate early:
  • “Print won’t match screen exactly”
  • “Some colors will be less vibrant”
  • “Physical proof recommended”
Show examples: Previous work, samples Manage expectations: Prevent disappointment Proof approval: Client signs off on physical sample

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Color Accuracy Checklist

Before finalizing:
  • Correct ICC profile selected: Matches printer/paper
  • CMYK conversion enabled: Not staying RGB
  • Rendering intent set: Relative Colorimetric (usually)
  • Spot colors added: For critical brand colors
  • Black handling configured: Rich black for areas, K100 for text
  • Soft proof reviewed: Checked CMYK preview
  • Physical proof ordered: Before bulk production
  • Colors approved: In-person review of proof
  • Client expectations set: Understands print ≠ screen
  • Variations acceptable: ±5% tolerance agreed

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Quick Reference

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Color Shift Severity

ColorTypical ShiftRecommendation
Bright BlueHigh (10-20% duller)Use Pantone or accept shift
Lime GreenHigh (15-20% duller)Use Pantone or adjust
Neon OrangeVery HighUse Pantone (can’t match CMYK)
RedLow-Medium (5-10%)CMYK usually OK
PurpleMedium (8-15%)Test, may need Pantone
YellowLow (< 5%)CMYK works well
CyanLow (< 5%)CMYK works well
MagentaLow-Medium (5-8%)CMYK usually OK
BlackMinimal (if rich black)Use rich black for areas
Grays/NeutralsMinimalCMYK works well

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Learn More

ICC Profiles

Choose the right profile

Spot Colors

Pantone for brand accuracy

RGB vs CMYK

Deep dive into color models

Black Handling

Pure vs rich black
Reality Check: Perfect color matching is impossible. Good color matching is achievable. Great color matching requires effort, knowledge, and proofs. Set realistic expectations!