Re:How to get rid of greenish cast ?

ok
I know I should know this but...
I'm submitting an ad for Heat Offset Web printing.
I keep getting a greenish cast.
This occurs in both the color artwork and the black & white artwork.

How best to prepare my files for this purpose? And, since I don't have a color calibration software installed - what are my options ?

Here's the file - Didn't attach before.

Well - I guess it just doesn't want to attach

Well I admit, I've never heard of "heat" web printing. So out of curiosity I looked it up. Apparently, it's just a normal web press with fancy blow dryers? ...Or something like that...

I don't know how the heat aspect would change things, but I've printed a pretty good deal to web press. Most of the printers these days are sheet fed because the quality is usually better, but web is used a lot for magazines, books and long documents.

I also once had a problem with color casts on a web press, although mine were magenta. In that case I just tweaked the color after getting the proof. But yes, calibrating really does help. What software are you printing from? What are your color settings?

Assuming a PDF from Indesign, I would choose convert to destination (preserve numbers) and the CMYK output profile to U.S. Web Coated (or uncoated) SWOP. Also be sure to convert all linked graphics to CMYK in the same color space. Better yet, ask the printer if they offer a custom profile. There are some who do.

Bottom line, is I would talk to the printer. They're usually very good about helping through problems like this.

p.s. Not sure why the file wouldn't attach but I'll bet it was because it was too large. Did you try uploading it as a file as opposed to an image?

And, since I don't have a color calibration software installed - what are my options ?

I use the eye-one: www.amazon.com/X-Rite-EODIS2-Eye-One-Dis...236836115&sr=8-1

Although you can probably get by with a cheaper calibrator fine.

I think something is going on with your forum.
I keep having to log in.
Here goes again.
file attached.

Working in photoshop cs3
file info says it's 'uncalibrated'

publisher does not offer a swop proof
i need to find an outside source for that
as it's expensive -and the file looks good to me on my monitor - how do i make the adjustments before getting a proof ?
i may need to have someone do this for me ? recommendations ?

aiii lucy !

the last ad they just printed was a black & white and it came out with a decidedly greenish cast.

Is this the actual file you are sending to the printer? If so, therein lies your biggest problem. The file needs to be in CMYK, which jpeg does not support. Sending an RGB file will always result in a nasty color shift.

Other than this to be honest, trying to help with a color managment issue like this over a forum (or really any way besides in person) is a bit akin to trying to pilot a Mars Rover from Earth, but without a video screen!

Like I said, even if you have a CMYK format such as a PDF, EPS, Tiff, etc., calibration is critical especially if you're getting color casts. The subject is pretty big, so I suggest buying a calibrator than either getting a book on Color Management or Googling for some tutorials. The software you need comes with the calibrator. As for the press profile, if the printer doesn't supply one (they mostly don't), you can use a canned profile. SWOP is built into the whole Creative Suite. Still, I don't think this will help you (might even make it worse) until you calibrate.

Have you talked to your printer about this? They can tweak things on their end and fix minor color casts... but you should be sending them a CMYK image(s), or a PDF ideally.

You're always welcome to hire me (in person) for a few hours. I could help you get calibrated, teach you the ins and outs of color management (not too difficult to learn) and spend any extra time on web stuff if you like.

I think something is going on with your forum.
I keep having to log in.

Have you deleted your cookies? That would make you log out. I've never had anyone mention this, but maybe the login is set to end too soon. I'll check it out, thanks for letting me know.

no
i always send a cmyk file.
I was having problems uploading the pdf for you since the file size seemed to large.

I have to fix this issue today - or tomorrow morning at the latest as it is due then.
I'd be happy to hire you (let me ck it out w/ management) - when could you do that ?

L

L, sorry you were having problems. The site isn't set up to accept very large files because it would slow the page load time.

It looks fine to me over here... on my calibrated monitor, in Acrobat and soft proofing to SWOP. I preflighted it, and the only real warning was somewhat low dpi for the images (but that wouldn't cause a cast).

I'll call you and see if you'd like to set something up, but unfortunately I can't make it over there in the next couple of days (maybe on Saturday). Also, I can make no promises that I can get rid of the color cast as the problem might be on the printer's end. Also, I recommend waiting for another proof before committing.