Total Ink Limit

If you are using media that is qualified for proofing and color standards, the software computes the best Total Ink Limit for you based on your Usage, Printer Model, and resolution.  Media manufacturers state what color standards the media is qualified for on their web site.  If you are using an experimental media, one with a matte surface, or one with a non-qualified coating, you must select the "Print TIL Charts" button and print the Total Ink Limit chart.  Refer to the Total ink limit section for detailed instructions on how to interpret the results from this chart.

Usage Choice

Usage defines the intended use for this Media Configuration.  It is needed in order for the software to compute the Best Total Ink Limit Value and determine if the Color Gamut will be large enough.

IMPOSITION - Imposition / Draft (matte/uncoated paper)

This choice means that this Media Configuration will be used for Imposition Proofing.  Color Output is not that important, and usually a matte coated, or lower quality media is used.

COLOR STANDARD - Simulate a Color Standard (Best Color Consistency)

This choice means that this Media Configuration will be used for Contract Color Proofing.  Color Output must simulate a color standard or press profile as closely as possible.  This selection will choose the best Total Ink Limit Value for the best color consistency.  A lower Total Ink Limit value will produce the best color consistency, but not the largest color gamut.

SPOT COLORS - Simulate Spot Colors (Best Color Gamut)

This choice means that this Media Configuration will be used for Contract Color Proofing.  Color Output must produce the most spot colors as possible.  This selection will choose the best Total Ink Limit Value for the largest color gamut.  A higher Total Ink Limit value will produce the largest color gamut, but not the best color consistency.

COMPROMISE - Simulate both Color Standard and Spot Colors (Best Compromise)

This choice means that this Media Configuration will be used for Contract Color Proofing.  Color Output must produce a lot of spot colors and be as color consistent as possible.  This selection will choose the best Total Ink Limit Value for the best compromise of color gamut and color consistency.