Getting Started with PressSync

The easiest way to generate PressSync curve sets is to make use of predefined PressSync templates available with your Curve Pilot application.

Every predefined PressSync template is linked to a desired printing condition, i.e. a color profile (ICC or Esko) or Fogra characterization data set. The desired printing condition is used to extract desired (target) Lab values for the solids, and desired dot gain curves defined in an international printing standard or industrial specification.

Two distinct types of PressSync templates are currently available:

• Templates prefixed by cmyk_ contain dot gain targets based on the ISO 12647-2 standard for offset printing. There is a desired (target) dot gain curve for each process color (c,m,y,k).
• Templates prefixed by 3ck_ contain dot gain targets based on the GRACoL specification for commercial offset lithography. There is a desired (target) dot gain curve for cmy-composed gray (3c) and black (k). The exact values are calculated using the G7 calibration method.

You can find detailed information on cmyk_ templates in PressSync Templates Based on the ISO 12647 Standards, and on 3ck_ templates in PressSync Templates Based on the G7 Calibration Method.

If you have access to a supported spectrophotometer, Curve Pilot can measure test jobs for you automatically. Curve Pilot recognizes a number of standard test printing charts; see supported Print Chart Layouts.

If you do not have access to a device supported in automated measurements, you can measure your own custom control strips or the supplied universal print target manually.