It is important to create custom profiles not only for each printing device, but also for each paper stock used. The most accurate method for communicating color is spectral data which describes what a color is, not just how it appears or is reproduced. To capture spectral data, a color sample is measured with a spectrophotometer. Affordable desktop spectrophotometers are now available and more and more color tools are entering the market that work with spectral data. At the design end, a spectrophotometer can precisely proof, print, paint chip, ink sample, etc.
Spectral information is used to create profiles for color devices.
The industry is developing standards for color management. These standards provide a set of rules to be followed by all those involved in the production process. By following standards, hardware and software vendors are able to build cross-platform, device profile formats which characterize color devices. The two standard committees addressing color management issues are the Image Technology Committee and the International Color Consortium. 8 was accredited in 1987 to facilitate the development of standards for digital data exchange.