SwatchMatcher Explained: Precision Spot Color Matching with Ergosoft

Why Spot Color Precision Matters

The Power of Precision: How SwatchMatcher Transforms Spot Color Matching

In the fast-paced world of digital printing, color accuracy isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. Whether you're producing branded materials, corporate merchandise, or high-end textiles, the ability to match spot colors precisely can be the difference between a satisfied client and a costly reprint.

That’s why so many print shops are reluctant to make any color-impacting changes in the value stream. Matching a spot color library can be both costly and time-consuming.

But when you bring a new printer online, matching your existing spot color output on the new hardware is a bridge that must be crossed.

That's where tools like Ergosoft's SwatchMatcher come into play.

What Is SwatchMatcher?

SwatchMatcher is an advanced tool within Ergosoft that allows users to measure and match color swatches with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. It simplifies the process of reproducing colors from other Ergosoft-powered machines or external / 3rd party workflows in a way that has never been possible before. Best of all, we’ve made it very easy to use. If you are familiar with scanning a linearization chart, then you can use SwatchMatcher. It also operates in conjunction with a few other color management features that set Ergosoft apart from our competitors.

This competitive advantage directly translates to you. If your print shop has tools and capabilities that others do not, you will be well-positioned to make bold moves to out-maneuver your competitors.

How SwatchMatcher Works

SwatchMatcher converts your digital spot color library into a scannable chart. You measure this chart first to capture your target output. Remember all those tweaks you made to the ink recipe to dial in that spot color to begin with? Well, that is not reflected in the LAB value. So first, we need to measure what you’re printing now.

Once we have your library printed and scanned, we are ready for the next step.

In the Print Environment for your new system, you’ll create a new density linearization and profile in order to characterize the behavior of the new system.

Great news! We have implemented a light scattering algorithm into the linearization tool within ColorGPS, so Ergosoft can accurately characterize the impact of light on your media. This allows you to use our Easy Profiling option, which can create a great profile with only two LIN chart scans!

If you’re trying to match spot color output from a different RIP, then a replication of the reference system’s density linearization will be a key component of an accurate color match. You can use Ergosoft’s Color Equalizer – Measure Target Density feature in order to emulate the behavior of the 3rd party RIP. This way, you can begin with a baseline calibration that accurately reflects the previous system.

Next, you will import the color library (that you’ve scanned from the reference system) into the Named Color Library. With the calibration you’ve created, Ergosoft will translate the measured spot color values in LAB into CMYK. Now you have your first iteration.

Print out the color library, transfer to fabric if needed, and measure into SwatchMatcher.

Now Ergosoft has two measurements. One is a direct measurement of your target output, and the other is a measurement of those spot colors on the new system.

You may not be 100% matched yet, but don’t worry.

With a simple click of the “Improve” button, Ergosoft will reformulate the output values and create a new iteration of the output recipes.

Now it’s time to print, transfer, and measure once again.

You can perform this iteration as many times as is needed, and each time Ergosoft will make the necessary adjustments to get you closer to the target.

Benefits of SwatchMatcher

Unmatched Color Accuracy: SwatchMatcher ensures that spot colors are reproduced exactly as intended, maintaining brand integrity and meeting client expectations.

Seamless Workflow Integration: By converting the spot color library into a scannable chart, Ergosoft allows you to utilize known and proven process mechanics for capturing and reproducing large color libraries with ease. The process becomes as simple as scanning a chart and clicking a button.

Time and Cost Efficiency: Traditional methods of spot color matching can be time-consuming and prone to errors. SwatchMatcher automates much of this process, reducing the time spent on manual adjustments and decreasing material waste due to color inaccuracies.

Consistency Across Multiple Devices: SwatchMatcher enables consistent color reproduction across different printers and substrates. This is vital for print shops that operate a variety of machines and need to ensure uniform output regardless of the equipment used.

Conclusion:

In an industry where precision is key and time is always a factor, tools like SwatchMatcher offer a significant competitive advantage. By ensuring accurate, consistent, and efficient spot color matching, SwatchMatcher not only enhances the quality of printed products but also streamlines operations and reduces costs. For print shops looking to elevate their color management capabilities, SwatchMatcher is an indispensable asset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ergosoft’s SwatchMatcher?

‍A tool that measures and matches spot colors with high precision, ensuring consistent output across printers.

How does SwatchMatcher save time and costs?

‍It automates much of the spot color matching process, reducing manual adjustments and minimizing material waste.

Can SwatchMatcher work with third-party RIPs?

‍Yes, using the Color Equalizer feature, it can replicate calibration from third-party systems for accurate matching.

Do I need advanced training to use SwatchMatcher?

‍No. If you can scan a linearization chart, you can use SwatchMatcher—it’s designed to be user-friendly.

What industries benefit most from SwatchMatcher?

‍Any print shop handling branded materials, textiles, or multi-device production where spot color consistency is critical.