Linearization

Linearization determines what the output levels of each color need to be in order to produce linear ink coverage at levels ranging from 0 to 100% coverage.

To linearize the density levels of the color channels:

1. Calibrate your measurement device:
   1. Select the type of measuring device and the port that connects it to your computer.

      Not all devices support calibration from Color Profiler. If the Calibrate button is disabled, you should calibrate your device using the software provided with it before using it with Color Profiler.

   2. If desired, click Settings to set advanced settings for either type of device:

      Illuminant	The light source currently used by the device.
      Observer	The observer angle.
      Status	The status currently used by your colorimeter. If you are unsure which status to use, we recommend using Status A (Automatic). This status will be uniform across all colorimeters.
      Samples	The number of samples that will be taken of each swatch in a test pattern for automated measuring devices.
      Spacing	The amount of spacing between the samples, expressed as a percentage of the width of the swatch. This field is disabled when only 1 sample is specified. The approximate position of the specified samples is displayed in the square below.

      Not all settings are available for all devices.

   3. Click Calibrate and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Do one of the following:
   • Import measurement data from another ICC Profile by clicking Import. See Importing Linearization Measurements for more information.

     The color modes of the current ICC Profile and any imported measurement data must match.

   • Print a target and measure it to obtain linearization data:
     1. Select an Increment size. The smaller the % increment, the larger the number of swatches that will be required in the target.

        Selecting a large number of swatches will yield better data, but will increase the amount of time required to take the measurements. It is recommended to use the default number of swatches.

        Enhanced	Light and dark swatches print in increments of 2%, while the other swatches print in increments of 5%.
        5%	Swatches print in increments of 5%
        10%	Swatches print in increments of 10%

     2. Click Print Target.
     3. Click the Measure button to measure the swatches with your measuring device.
     4. After you measure the swatches, check to see that the measured swatches line up with the target swatches.

        

        If you need to remeasure swatches:

        • To remeasure the entire target, click the Measure button.
        • To remeasure a swatch sheet, select a swatch and click the Remeasure one sheet button.
        • To remeasure a swatch strip, select a swatch in the strip that you want to remeasure and click the Remeasure one strip button.
        • To remeasure a single swatch, select the swatch and click Remeasure one swatch button.

          Depending on the type of measurement device you use, the choices for remeasuring may be limited.

     5. Double-click a swatch to see its Linearization Curve.

        The curve should be a relatively smooth arc without any drastic dips, spikes or sections where the curve levels off. An arc containing drastic dips, spikes or level areas is an early indication of measurement errors or improper ink limiting.

        

        Curve Type	Choose a curve type.
        	Delta E	This type of linearization curve is most accurate for measuring light colors.
        	Luminance	This type of linearization curve is most accurate for measuring dark colors.
        Channel	The color channel for which you want to view the Linearization curve.

3. Click Next.