Color quality guide
Page 4 of 7
Note: Read the quick reference page entitled “Print quality and troubleshooting guide” which provides
solutions for common print quality problems, some of which may affect the color quality of the
printed output.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about color printing
What is RGB color?
Red, green, and blue light can be added together in various amounts to produce a large range of colors observed
in nature. For example, red and green light can be combined to create yellow light. Televisions and computer
monitors create colors in this manner. RGB color is a method of describing colors by indicating the amount of red,
green, and blue light needed to reproduce a particular color.
What is CMYK color?
Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks or toners can be printed in various amounts to produce a large range of
colors observed in nature. For example, cyan and yellow can be combined to create green. Printing presses,
inkjet printers, and color laser printers create colors in this manner. CMYK color is a method of describing colors
by indicating the amount of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black needed to reproduce a particular color.
How is color specified in a document to be printed?
Software applications typically specify document color using RGB or CMYK color combinations. Additionally, they
commonly let users modify the color of each object in a document. Since the procedures to modify colors vary
depending on the application, see the software application Help section for instruction.
How does the printer know what color to print?
When a user prints a document, information describing the type and color of each object in the document is sent
to the printer. The color information is passed through color conversion tables that translate the color into
appropriate amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner needed to produce the desired color. The object
type information lets different color conversion tables be used for different types of objects. For example, it is
possible to apply one type of color conversion table to text while applying a different color conversion table to
photographic images.
Should I use the PostScript or PCL emulation driver for the best color? What driver settings should I use
for the best color?
The PostScript driver is strongly recommended for best color quality. The default settings in the PostScript driver
provide preferred color quality for the majority of printouts.
Why doesn't the printed color match
the color I see on the computer screen?
The color conversion tables used in Auto Color Correction mode generally approximate the colors of a
standard computer monitor. However, because of technology differences that exist between printers and
monitors, there are many colors that can be generated on a computer screen that cannot be physically
reproduced on a color laser printer. Color match can also be affected by monitor variations and lighting conditions.
Read the response to the question “How can I match a particular color (such as a color in a corporate logo)?” on
page 5 for recommendations on how the printer Color Samples pages may be useful in solving certain
color-matching problems.
The printed page appears tinted. Can I slightly adjust the color?
Sometimes a user may consider printed pages to appear tinted (for example, everything printed seems to be too
red). This can be caused by environmental conditions, paper type, lighting conditions, or user preference. In these
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