Examining Books with Critical Color Elements

You're likely here because you're concerned about the color quality of your upcoming book print project with OnPress Book Printing, or perhaps we're currently assessing a sample you've returned for accuracy.

The first aspect to address is the color mode and its impact on your print output. Please ensure you've reviewed our comprehensive article on this topic: (RGB, Spot Colors, and CMYK: Navigating the Color Spectrum)

We employ a device known as a densitometer to gauge ink density on your printed sample, comparing it against the PDF from which your book was printed. This comparison yields what we refer to as the "Delta E" value.

To facilitate discussions on color evaluation, you can refer to the following chart:

We offer single copy proofs that are produced on the same digital presses as full orders. We strongly recommend ordering one of these proofs to see your file in print before proceeding with a larger order.

An aspect beyond our control is your monitor calibration. Factors like your monitor brightness or the ambient lighting in your workspace can influence your color perception. While there are numerous tools available for monitor calibration, one accessible and user-friendly option is the Calibrite ColorChecker Display. It assesses your monitor and ambient light, adjusting settings to mimic a printed sheet of paper. While this may not be essential for everyone, professional designers and photographers with color-calibrated monitors would still benefit from obtaining a physical proof.

By employing proper monitor calibration alongside our color profile (available here: OnPress Book Printing Color Profile), there should be no surprises regarding the output of your book.