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ENWW Matching colors 83
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Matching colors
The process of matching printer output color to your computer screen is quite complex because printers and computer
monitors use different methods to produce color. Monitors display colors by light pixels using an RGB (red, green, blue)
color process, but printers
print
colors using a CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) process.
Several factors can influence your ability to match printed colors to those on your monitor. These factors include:
• print media
• printer colorants (inks or toners, for example)
• printing process (inkjet, press, or laser technology, for example)
• overhead lighting
• personal differences in perception of color
• software applications
• printer drivers
• computer operating system
• monitors
• video cards and drivers
• operating environment (humidity, for example)
Keep these factors in mind when colors on your screen do not perfectly match your printed colors. For most users, the best
method for matching colors on your screen to your printer is to print sRGB colors. For more information about solving
issues related to color output, see “Solving print-quality issues” on page 70.