White Point
Because different printer, ink, and paper/media combinations reproduce the values in an image in different ranges, it is critical to adjust your image value range to align with the specific combination material and equipment you are using. One of the most important steps in this process is to set the white point (the first visible tone of ink that shows a difference from the base white of the paper). Setting the white point accomplishes two objectives; it begins the process of neutralizing the color in the image and aligns the highlight values the printer can reproduce with the tonal values in your image file.
Setting the White Point Target Values
Selecting the White Point Eyedropper
Double click the White Point Eyedropper (highlight target) Tool.
Color Picker
This will bring up the Color Picker. You will actually be setting the white point target values in this case, not selecting a foreground or background color.
Set the RGB values for the White Point in the Color Picker
Enter the appropriate RGB values for the printer/media combination you are using. To determine the appropriate settings utilize the Tone System White Point Test Target. Visually check to determine where you want the white point to appear. Remember, the RGB settings should be the same value. If you have not tested the white point parameters of your printer/media combination, you can use R250. G250. B250 as a general starting point for a high quality Ink-Jet printer.
White Point Target
The White Point Target pictured at left is used to determine the white point setting for specific printer and paper combinations.
On the next page we will set the White Point in the image.
Next Page • Page 1 • Page 2 • Page 3 • Page 4 • Page 5 • White Point • Six Steps of CC