How to create a custom LAB color library?

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating a custom LAB Color Library using the Spot Colors window in CalderaRIP. This process is useful for personalizing spot color libraries or for matching existing spot or process colors from other workflows.

Requirements

• A spectrophotometer or predefined L.a.b. values
• A good quality output profile, for accurate color matching

Create the custom library in CalderaRIP

1. First, open the Print Module of your printer.
2. Then, access the Spot Color window:
   
   
   
3. In the Rules tab, click on the "Configure LAB Library..." button:
   
   
   
4. Click on the "New" button and enter a name for the library. In this example, the library is named "Custom Library":
   
   
   
5. With the custom library selected, click "New" in the lower part of the window:
   
   
   
6. The Color Edition window will open. Give the spot color to be read or input a descriptive name. In this example, it is simply named "Spot Color One".
7. (Optional) To read a color swatch with a spectrophotometer, press the device icon in the lower left corner and follow the on-screen instructions:
   
   
   
8. When you are ready, press the "OK" button.
9. The spot color will now be displayed in the custom spot color library:
   
   
   
10. Repeat the process for any spot color to be added to the custom library:
    

Prepare your file

1. In your design application, create and specify spot colors based on the custom spot color names.
2. For example, in Adobe Illustrator:
   • Open the Swatch Window and create a "New Swatch".
   • Name the swatch exactly as it appears in the custom library.
   • Set the Color Type to Spot Color.
   • Choose the Color Mode according to the document's working space or as needed, as CalderaRIP matches colors based on the swatch name.

       Good to know

     While testing for functionality, you can change the color values in the file while keeping the swatch name the same. This will help ensure that the workflow and swatch names are entered correctly.

   
   
   
3. Save the file as a PDF.

     Info

   For custom spot color mapping, use PDF format, as older file formats, such as EPS or PS, have limitations.

Import your file into CalderaRIP

1. Import the file to CalderaRIP with the FileMan module.
2. Verify that the spot colors are identified:
   
   
   
3. Open the Print Module again and load the prepared file into it (or drag and drop it directly into the Print Module).
4. Access the Spot Color window, and select the Details tab. You should see the following:
   • The spot colors are present.
   • "Use Library" is selected under "LAB: found in Custom Library".
   • The input and output values are displayed for each spot color, along with the output ICC and rendering intent.
   
   
   
   
5. (Optional) When using RGB output profiles, make sure to deselect "Toggle Auto-search" for "pure_colors" in the "CMYK Color Library". This option can be found under the Spot Colors window in the "Configure CMYK Library" settings:
   

Useful links

• How to name, locate, import, or export a Custom Spot Color library?
• Spot Colors [Video tutorial of the entire module]