Tektronix 240 user manual Using color corrections

6Using Color

Using color corrections

Color printers and computer display screens produce color differently. Printers use the subtractive primaries CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black), and produce color when light is reflected off the paper. Computers use the additive primaries RGB (red, green, blue) with a light-emitting CRT screen. The printer and the computer screen each have a different range of possible colors they can produce, with some overlap between them.

Software application packages specify color in different ways, for example as CMYK or RGB, or they may give you a choice. Get to know your applications so you can use color more effectively.

The TekColor color correction options are available for a finer degree of control over color. Since no single color correction option can address all uses, refer to the following table for the description that best fits your printing situation, and try the suggested color correction.

Printing objective or problem	Color correction to use	Where to find
		details
Brightest, most vibrant colors	Vivid Color	page 6-10
Overhead transparency presentations	Vivid Color	page 6-10
Blue colors are printing too purple	Vivid Color	page 6-10
Using PANTONE Colors	None	page 6-10
Colors should match computer display screen	Simulate Display	page 6-11
Colors should match a printing press	Simulate Press	page 6-11
Colors are too dark	Simulate Display	page 6-11
Colors are washed out or faded	Vivid Color	page 6-10
Print in gray scale	Monochrome	page 6-12

6-4 Phaser 240 Drivers and Utilities