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Chapter 70:
Using ColorID
Clicking on either arrow in the group box toggles both the Measured (Source) and Select Match
values among the three available numeric definition databases (called color spaces) − L*a*b*,
L*C*h, or XYZ. These numbers, by themselves, are not important.
What is important is the Delta E value − the quantitative difference between the numeric
definition of the source color (the source color from the source palette) and the numeric
definition of the selected matching color. ColorID calculates the Delta E and assumes that the
closest color match to the source color is the smallest Delta E. Frequently it is. However, the
final determination of the best match is the eye of the designer.
In addition:
♦ The Delta E value is based on the L*a*b* color space numeric definition only. If you
toggle to a different color space, such as the L*C*h color space, the Delta E does not
change.
♦ The correct numeric definitions are displayed regardless of the source of the color. For
example, if you are using a colorimeter that measures and defines color as XYZ, the
ColorID program automatically converts these numbers to the correct L*a*b* and
L*C*h color space values.
Finding the color name
Below the Color Data group box is the name of the target palette and the matching color you
selected by clicking on the matching color box. In this example, the matching color is a
Spectratone color.
The first part of the line is the matching color box number (#1 in this example) followed by the
short name (GCS-047/GCS-038). The remainder of the line displays the full name and palette
identification number (if the color is a foil color). In the case of a Spectratone color, which is
created by printing one foil over another, the overprint foil is listed first (Intense Blue GCS-047)
followed by the base foil color (Purple GCS-038).
Using the matching color
Once you have selected all your matching colors, you can use those colors in Composer to
design and print your job. Please see “Using the matching color in Composer” for details.