Process
Color Separation
Splitting an artwork file into individual ink channels for each color the press will print.
Definition
Color separation is the process of splitting an artwork file into individual ink channels, one for each color the press will print. In DTF production the standard separation is cyan, magenta, yellow, key (black), and white underbase. The RIP software handles separation automatically based on the source artwork and the assigned color profile. In screen printing, color separation is a manual design step where each spot color gets its own film positive and screen. In DTF, color separation is invisible to the decorator because the RIP and the press handle it in software. The customer submits a single file and receives a fully separated print.
Related Terms
CMYK
The four-color subtractive print model (cyan, magenta, yellow, key/black) used by most production print engines.
White Underbase
A layer of white ink printed beneath color ink so the design reads correctly on dark or colored fabric.
RIP Software
Raster image processor software that converts artwork files into the press-specific instruction set for printing.
Color Profile
An ICC file that maps colors between a source color space and the print engine output for consistent reproduction.