What is color management?

Color Management is a process which manages the color consistency between different input and output devices (ie., cameras and monitors; scanners and printers). Different devices can use different methods to produce color, which means the actual color values may vary from device to device. This variation can produce unwanted color shifts, and the colors may not look as you intended. Color Management will enable you to keep color consistency between the different devices by using color profiles.

What is a color profile?
A color profile is a file embedded within the photo or illustration that describes how a particular device reproduces color; it is also responsible for mapping or interpreting the color accurately from one device to another.

How do I use Photoshop to check to see if my photo has an embedded color profile?
Use the display file information feature at the bottom left hand corner of the document window. Click the triangle and choose Document Profile from the drop down menu. You will now see what color profile is embedded into your photo.

Why embed a color profile?
By embedding a color profile into a photo or illustration, you are embedding instructions on how the color should be represented regardless of the device. This will ensures a color consistency between the files you've upload and how they view on line.

What if I don't have an embedded color profile?
If the file you supplied doesn't contain an embedded profile Veer will need to assign a color profile. This ensures color consistency between what the client sees online and the files they purchase. However assigning a color profile to a file without a predefined color profile, can provide unexpected color results. Sometimes the results are small; sometimes the results are big.

What color profiles does Veer use for photography?
We use sRGB IEC61966-2.1 and Adobe RGB (1998) for photography. Both of these profiles are approved by the International Color Consortium (ICC), and are industry standards. We recommend using an Adobe RGB (1998) workflow when possible, because this color profile has a larger gamut which gives you a larger range of colors.

Is there a difference between assigning to a color profile versus converting to a color profile?
Yes. Assigning a color profile can provide unexpected color results. Converting a color profile will ensure color consistency.

Is there any time I should assign a color profile?
Yes. If your files appear as untagged RGB and contains no color profiles. It is better for you to assign a color profile, because you can use the original file to compare the results. You will also need to assign color profiles to illustration files because there is no default color profile, or device profile.

How do I assign a color profile using Photoshop?
Choose Edit>Assign Profile..., and check the Profile box. Ensure the Preview box is checked, and use the drop-down menu to view different color profiles. Select the profile which most accurately represents your original photo.

How do I convert a color profile using Photoshop?
Choose Edit>Convert to Profile..., and use the drop down menu to view different color profiles. This will change the color values while honoring the color consistency, but you should see very little to no change in the color values. This is the point of color conversion, to preserve the color appearance.

Do my illustrations need color profiles?
Yes. Again, this will ensure a color consistency between the photos you've upload and how they view on line.

How do I use Illustrator to check to see if my photo has an embedded color profile?
Use the display file information feature at the bottom left hand corner of the document window. Click the triangle, choose Show and select Document Color Profile from the drop down menu. You will now see what color profile is embedded into your illustration.

What color profiles does Veer use for illustration?
We use U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2 for CMYK illustrations, and Adobe RGB (1998) for RGB illustrations. These profiles are approved by the ICC, and are industry standards. Either of these color profiles allows Veer to rasterize your vector illustration with minimal color shifts.

How do I assign a color profile using Illustrator?
Choose Edit>Assign Profile..., and check the Profile box. Use the drop-down menu to select the appropriate color profile.