Colour mode/colour range

Your print data should be created in CMYK colour mode. This mode is the technical basis for the modern 4-colour-print.

Furthermore, you should provide your print data with the corresponding ICC profiles for the standardised offset print. 

You can download these colour profiles from the ECI (European Colour Initiative) website free of charge.

  • ISO Coated v2 for coated paper (based on FOGRA39)
  • PSO Uncoated ISO12647 for uncoated paper (based on FOGRA47)

If you place a 4-colour order, RGB data and special colours will thus be converted automatically. Since many RGB and special colours are outside the colour range that can be reproduced in standardized offset print, colour shifts can occur during the conversion. The colour conversion assigns a new similar value to the original colour value which is not necessarily identical to the original colour value. Example: A specific shade of RGB red can appear nearly orange in CMYK.

Screen display

On a computer screen, the colours are displayed in RGB mode. Since each monitor has a different design and setting, the display of colours may vary between different monitors (as is the case for television screens). Several monitors tend to exhibit a certain colour cast (e.g. yellow or blue). What is displayed on the monitor does therefore not necessarily reflect the subsequent print result. 

In order to display colours correctly, the monitor must be calibrated and profiled by a specialist. We also urgently recommend using the ICC profiles mentioned above provided that they are compatible with the software you are using. These profiles simulate the offset print colours on your computer screen, and you can download them from the website of the European Colour Initiative (www.eci.org) at no cost.

Paper

Each printing substrate has a different colour outcome. Recycled paper, for instance, is not directly comparable to offset or art print paper. Recycled paper generally tends to have a greyish-yellow tint whereas other paper types have a rather white or bluish colouring. Furthermore, colours appear different in natural light and artificial light. 

Our paper sample booklet gives some assistance here. It allows you to conveniently compare and assess the most common paper types, grammages and finishes used in production. However, slight variations can occur even within the production of one paper type by one manufacturer. Paper is a natural material. The texture of the raw materials (e.g. wood) used in the production of paper can vary. The paper colour ultimately influences the colour appearance of the printed product.

Special colours

Special colours or spot colours are only available for the product categories where special colours or spot colours are offered for selection. This includes in particular catalogues and brochures, stationery, envelopes/mailers, folders and posters (starting from 150 g/m² art print paper). Due to our combined-run production, we cannot offer special colours or spot colours for printed materials such as flyers, post cards or business cards.

Summary:

  • CMYK (ISO Coated v2 or PSO Uncoated ISO12647)
  • RGB data as well as special colours will be converted automatically.
  • Avoid the use of coloured tiling or cells
  • Deviating attached or embedded profiles are rendered perceptually with the respective target profile.
  • The screen display of colours can deviate from the print result.
  • Identical colour values can appear differently on different paper types (offset paper, art print paper).