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Color quality guide
Page 3 of 6
Solving color quality problems
This section is intended to help answer some basic color-related questions and to describe how some of the
features provided in the Color Menu can be used to solve typical color problems.
Note: You should also read the quick reference page entitled “Solving Print Quality Problems,” 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 will vary
depending on the application, refer to 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.
Color Adjust
To manually recalibrate the color
conversion tables, adjusting for
variations in output that can occur as
a result of changing conditions, such
as room temperature or humidity.
No selections exist for this operation.
Pressing Select initiates this operation.
Color Saver
To conserve toner. If selected, this
setting will override Toner Darkness
settings.
On Applies a lower Toner Darkness level.
Toner Darkness setting is ignored.
Off* Prints using Toner Darkness setting.
Menu item Purpose Values