Color matching

What is color matching?
Color matching is the process of broadcasting a particular color across different technologies or platforms. This can be difficult when the two different technologies use different color modeling tools. Color matching is important in desktop publishing and in the precise printing of digital displays.

One reason color matching is so often complicated is that many display technologies use an RGB color system that mixes red, green, and blue to create a specific color. In contrast, many printers use a CMYK or cyan, magenta, yellow system in which different colored inks absorb light.

Technology and technicians can use standardized color spaces, spot colors, or other color matching methods to ensure that the print matches the display. In some cases, various factors can affect the accuracy of printed results.

Other cases of color matching also show why a universal color model is beneficial for many types of users. Color matching can be a complicated and labor-intensive process, and can sometimes produce results that are less than 100 percent accurate.