How to Achieve Great Color Every Time (1,549 words)

First Things First: The Printing Partnership

Printers still have a responsibility to communicate and assist in managing their end of the printing process to their customers. The printer must communicate his requirements for file and proof preparation, and be ready to explain how these affect the final product. Printers must also operate within established practices. They must print using standard process inks, print at standard densities and achieve standard color balances. Most printers use SWOP standards (Specifications for Web Offset Publications, a non-profit industry group that establishes and publishes standards for publications printing). By maintaining these targets, the printer establishes a basis for the entire print job. Customers know that if their file is prepared correctly, it will print as predicted.