Screen & lighting
Screens create color with light. Print depends on ink, material, and viewing light. Display brightness and settings can change what you see, so an ordinary screen is not a dependable physical color standard.
Color & proofing
Color, from file
to finished piece.
A practical guide to CMYK files, brand colors, materials, and proofs. Start with a shared reference and a clear idea of what matters most.
01 / File preparation
Start with the
right reference.
A color profile gives CMYK values a defined meaning. Including it helps communicate how your artwork was prepared.
These are starting guidelines. Follow any file instructions supplied for your specific project.
Recommended for new CMYK artwork
GRACoL 2013 Coated
CRPC6 · Commercial and wide-format process color
GRACoL2013_CRPC6.icc
Use this profile for new standard CMYK artwork unless your project instructions specify otherwise. Include it as the output intent in your print-ready PDF.
Already have finished artwork? Keep its existing color profile and tell us how it was prepared. Assigning a new profile name alone can change how the colors are interpreted. We can review whether a conversion is needed.
- Preferred PDF: PDF/X-4 Follow the export settings supplied for the job. Selecting PDF/X-4 alone does not convert every object to CMYK.
- Small black text: 100% K Use C0 M0 Y0 K100 for small black text and fine rules. Ask for the appropriate rich-black build for large backgrounds.
- Preserve specified spot colors Keep named brand colors and agreed production separations. Identify white ink and dielines clearly in your instructions.
- Flag the colors that matter Include your color reference, material, finish, and proof requirements with the artwork.
02 / The finished piece
Color has context.
A brochure, a window graphic, and a corrugated display can share a reference. Their appearance also depends on the surface and the way they are viewed.
Material & surface
White point, texture, opacity, and absorbency affect printed color. Coated paper, E-flute board, vinyl, styrene, and clear materials can give the same artwork different appearances.
White ink & finish
White ink can change the appearance of color on clear or colored materials. Gloss, matte, and soft-touch finishes can also affect the result. Include these details when discussing a proof.
For a campaign with several printed components, tell us which pieces will be displayed together and which colors need special attention.
03 / Brand colors
Give us something
to match.
If a particular color is important, share the reference before production. A clear starting point makes the discussion much more useful.
- 01
The exact color reference
Include the Pantone name and its coated or uncoated designation, or the color specification in your brand guide.
- 02
A physical sample, when available
Send the print, package, or approved sample you want us to use. Identify one reference if several examples look different.
- 03
The finished application
Tell us the material, finish, viewing conditions, and any pieces the new print will need to work alongside.
Some Pantone colors fall outside the range of a particular process or material. Keeping the spot-color name identifies the target; it does not by itself specify a separate spot ink. For critical colors, agree on a physical proof or sample before the run.
04 / Proofing
Choose the proof
for the decision.
Tell us what you need to evaluate. Layout approval and color approval can require different kinds of proof.
For artwork review
Digital PDF proof
A practical way to check the content and construction of your file.
- Wording, images, and placement
- Page order, versions, and quantities shown
- Dimensions and artwork details
Use an ordinary screen preview for artwork review. Request a physical reference when printed color is critical.
For color & appearance
Physical proof or sample
Discuss the appropriate printed proof, press sample, or material test for the project.
- Priority brand colors and image appearance
- Material, white ink, and opacity where relevant
- Coating or laminate when part of the approval
Confirm what the proof represents. A proof on another paper does not show every characteristic of the final material or finish.
Arrange the proof type, cost, timing, and approval method before production. For repeat work, identify the previously approved sample you want us to reference.
Discuss a proofA few useful answers
Common questions.
Have a specific file or color concern? Send the details to prepress@execuprint.com.
Which profile should I use for GS or HS wide-format work?
For new standard CMYK artwork, use GRACoL 2013 Coated (CRPC6), unless your project instructions specify otherwise. The same client-file reference can be used for both our GS and HS printers. The printer, material, and print mode still require their own production settings.
Does “Coated” mean this is only for coated paper?
The name describes the reference printing condition. It can also be used as the incoming CMYK reference in a managed wide-format workflow. It does not describe your actual substrate, so boards, plastics, and banners still need material-specific production settings.
My file uses GRACoL 2006, SWOP, or another profile. Should I change it?
Keep the original file with its correct existing profile and tell us how it was prepared. Avoid assigning a different profile just to change the label. We can review the file and advise whether a conversion is appropriate, especially for repeat jobs.
Can I supply RGB images?
Discuss the project with us before converting. Some workflows benefit from retaining correctly tagged RGB images until production. Preserve your original images and follow the file instructions agreed for the job.
Will my brand color look identical on every material?
Material color, surface, ink, opacity, finish, and lighting can all affect appearance. Tell us which products will be viewed together and provide the agreed color reference. Physical samples help establish an achievable result across the set.
Can I use the same CMYK values for every job?
CMYK numbers need a color profile to define their intended appearance. Keep the profile information with your artwork and identify any previously approved sample. For large black areas, heavy ink builds, or unusual materials, ask for project-specific guidance.
Let’s look at your project
Have a color
we need to match?
Send your artwork, reference, material, and finish. Tell us which colors matter most so we can discuss the preparation and proofing approach.