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vladimer_1033
January 20, 2026
Question

Design issues

  • January 20, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 190 views

Hello everyone!

I'm new to this forum and eager to learn graphic design. I'm a beginner in this field, but I have some basic experience with Photoshop.

I've taken on a new project where I need to replicate an existing design and print it, matching the colors as closely as possible to the original. During this "copying" process, I've run into a couple of problems I need help with.

1. My biggest issue is that I can't seem to get the right shade of color. I've searched online but couldn't find a clear answer... Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I need to learn more about color theory, specifically color mixing.

2. I've realized that what I see on my screen doesn't match the final printed result. I understand that I probably need to set up an ICC profile and calibrate my monitor, but I'm not sure how to do it correctly. Are there any straightforward methods to achieve this, or is there another approach that could help me solve this color mismatch?

For context, I'm using a standard Epson printer with CMYK inks.

Thanks in advance for your attention—I really appreciate any advice you can offer!

2 replies

davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 20, 2026

1. Is the original design printed or in an image file? If printed, then the only accurate way to measure the colour is with a spectrophotometer. If it is in an image file then you should be able to open the file and use the eyedropper tool to measure the colour values.
If you have been given a set of colour values (e.g. hex codes) to work from, then you need also to know the colour space that those values refer to. The same RGB (or Hex or CMYK) values refer to different colours in different document colour spaces. So, for example, RGB 25, 100, 180 will show a different colour in sRGB, Adobe RGB and ProPhoto.

2. It is possible to get a close match between screen and print. It relies on three things.
a. A calibrated and profiled monitor screen. This is produced using a hardware device and the profile is used by colour managed software, such as Photoshop, to translate the document pixel values into those that need to be sent to that screen in order to display correctly. As part of the process you are asked to set the monitor brightness. This should not be set too high and should be close to the paper white of your intended output.

b. A correct document profile. As discussed above, this is what tells the colour managed software what colours the pixel values actually represent.

c. A printer profile that represents the printer, paper and ink combination in use. This can be produced using a spectrophotometer and suitable software but good profiles are often available from paper manufacturers.

Once you have those three set, the output should be a close match (within the limitations of CMYK printing technology).

Note: Monitor and printer profiles are specific to the state of the monitor, or printer, when the profile was produced. Change that state, for example by adjusting the monitor controls, or using a different paper/ink and the profile is invalid, as it no longer represents the monitor or printer in its current state.

Dave

    V
    vladimer_1033Author
    January 20, 2026

    Thank you for your answer!

    My design is printed and exists as a physical copy.

    I will look into the device you mentioned, but I have a question about it and in general. Let's say I need a pure Red or Blue color like in RGB (meaning when a channel value is 255). My understanding is that achieving that with CMYK is impossible... But if I need to get as close as possible to that value, how do I do it correctly? Is it about different equipment, using more ink, or the type of paper?

    I used to have a large Canon printer with something like 12 inks, and at the time I wasn't interested in these questions. If I'm not mistaken, it could produce a vivid red. The question is: was that the same red that would give me the result I need now?

    Regarding calibration, you wouldn't happen to have a guide on how to do it properly for someone with little understanding in this field and how to synchronize these steps?

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 20, 2026

    A fully saturated RGB red, or blue, cannot be directly reproduced using CMYK. It will be out of gamut. As you have noted it would require additional inks such as those used in a 12 ink printer or the use of a spot color which is an additional ink used in a printing press to achieve a specific colour. Of course using a spot colour comes at an additional cost to reflect the complexity of the printing process.

    I can't answer whether your Canon printer was able to print the exact red you need, but extending the gamut is the purpose of the additional ink colours.

    Regarding screen calibration, you may find the article linked below helpful. You can ignore the specific Argyll CMS software commands but it does give good advice that applies to any calibration and profiling software (such as target screen brightness etc).
    https://torger.se/anders/photography/argyll-display.html

    Dave

      c.pfaffenbichler
      Community Expert
      c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 20, 2026

      Are you just going to print one (or a few) prints yourself or will this ultimately be printed in a larger run on a commercial process? 

      In what shape do you have the existing design – digital data or a print or …? 

       

      To calibrate a monitor you would need a device (like an i1) and the accompanying software.

      Alternatively there are monitors that have an integrated sensor for automated calibration, from eizo for example. 

       

      Reading up on Color Management might be a good idea in general: 

      https://www.computer-darkroom.com/ps19_colour/ps19_1.htm

      https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/understanding-color-management.html

      https://www.normankoren.com/color_management.html

      V
      vladimer_1033Author
      January 20, 2026

      Thank you for your answer!

      I'll definitely check out the links you sent. Regarding my original sample, it's a physical print. For calibration, I have a SpyderX Elite device.

      Your question about whether this will be printed in large quantities with proper equipment interested me.

      Right now, I just want to use this example to learn how to work more professionally and understand the finer details of the process.

      I don't have plans to do anything large-scale at the moment, but the question is: does the workflow or anything else change if one were to go down a larger-scale path?

      c.pfaffenbichler
      Community Expert
      c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 20, 2026
      quote

      I don't have plans to do anything large-scale at the moment, but the question is: does the workflow or anything else change if one were to go down a larger-scale path?

      When using professional print shops one should figure out ahead of time what the target space/ICC Profile is and provide the print data (generally pdf) accordingly. 

      This also means that when working on RGB files one should regularly preview (setting up the target space via View > Proof Setup > Custom and View > Proof ) to make sure one does not lose relevant detail in out-of-gamut color regions. 

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