Color management is the optimized conversion of colors displayed between digital imaging devices such as digital cameras, computer screens, printers, scanners, etc. In other words, the purpose of color management is to control how the color of your photos will appear when viewed as well as printed on various devices.
Color spaces
Zenfolio supports most major Color Space standards, so you do not need to change your workflow.
Zenfolio temporarily converts your photos to the sRGB color space before generating display images to correctly convert true colors for online presentation. If you are concerned with our conversion process and wish to ensure your image quality for online viewing, save your photos as sRGB.
For the best print quality, only if necessary, we convert photographs to the color space used by the photofinishing lab. Please check with our vendors to determine the necessary color space requirements. For example MPIX states, "All color matching needs to be performed in the sRGB color space."
Calibrating your monitor
It is highly recommended that you use some method of calibration for your computer monitor. This will help to ensure that the colors on your display match the colors in your prints as closely as possible. Please see specific vendor information below.
More information is available about color calibrating on Wikipedia.org
Soft-proofing your images
If you are familiar with color calibration and would like to soft-proof your images, you can download and install paper specific profiles from the Zenfolio vendors:
MpixPro Lab:
All color matching needs to be performed in the sRGB color space. To be properly color calibrated to MpixPro printers, use ColorMunki or i1Display2.ICC profile
Mpix Lab:
All color matching needs to be performed in the sRGB color space. To be properly color calibrated to Mpix printers, use ColorMunki or i1Display2.ICC profile
fotoflot:
When you use this profile, make sure to:
- Set rendering intent to "Perceptual"
- Deselect "Black Point Compensation"
- And, most importantly, select "Simulate Paper Color"
We recommend you embed an ICC color profile in your digital file to help identify the color space used. If no profile is included, sRGB color space will be assumed.
ICC color are generally need to be stored under /Library/ColorSync/Profiles on your Mac, or \Windows\system32\spool\drivers\color for Windows. After they are stored you should be able to locate the color profiles within your application.