XeikonColorControl.

com

General User Guide

Getting Started with XeikonColorControl.com

& Basic General Operation.

Version 1.1
Language: English

XeikonColorControl.com

Table of Contents
Prerequisites...........................................................................................................3
Activating Your Account & Following the Install Wizard.......................................... 4
Step 1. Check Activation Code Tab. ....................................................................... 4
Step 2. Company Data Tab - Account and User Details......................................... 5
Step 3. Create Workflow Tab.................................................................................. 6
Step 4. Download Files and Software..................................................................... 7
Step 5. Login...........................................................................................................7
Preparing the Local Computer - One time exercise................................................ 8
Preparing the RIPs - One time exercise................................................................. 8
Preparing the Digital Print Engines......................................................................... 8
Quick Tip.................................................................................................................8
Optimization Process.............................................................................................. 9
Basic concepts and goals. Printer Optimization...................................................... 9
First time Use. Optimizing the Printer..................................................................... 9
Step 1. Overview and Setup. ................................................................................. 9
Step 2. Creating a Profile...................................................................................... 10
Step 3. Load Profile onto DFE or PrePress Workflow........................................... 11
Quick Tip............................................................................................................... 11
Verify Process.......................................................................................................12
Basic concepts and goals. Printer Verification...................................................... 12
Default Quality Assurance. ISO 12647-2 - FOGRA 39L....................................... 12
Quality Assurance. IDEAlliance - GRACoL & Other International Standards....... 12
Advanced / Custom Quality Assurance................................................................. 12
Step 1. Overview and Setup of Verification Process............................................. 13
Step 2. Creating Your Verification Report............................................................. 14
Basic Web Site Tour.............................................................................................. 15
Basic over view - Home Page............................................................................... 15
Basic over view - Operator Page.......................................................................... 16
Basic over view - Accessing Service Page........................................................... 16
Service Page - Workflow tab - Overview............................................................... 17
Service Page - Custom Colours - Overview.......................................................... 18
Service Page - ISO+ / Control Strip - Overview.................................................... 19
Service Page - Downloads - Overview.................................................................. 20
Service Page - Customer Details - Overview........................................................ 21
Coming Soon. New Developments....................................................................... 22
Thank You.............................................................................................................22

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XeikonColorControl.com
Prerequisites

You will need a computer (mac or pc) with an internet connection and a free USB port to connect a
photospectrometer. (spectro)
You will have the rights so you can install software.
You will need access to the flowing web site XeikonColorControl.com
You will need a X-Rite Spectro. Supported devices. DTP70, i1Pro, i1Pro+i0 table, iSis, & iSisXL
You will need an ACTIVATION CODE.

Activation Codes

To use the cloud based solution you will need an account.

To create an account you will need a ACTIVATION CODE.

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XeikonColorControl.com

Activating Your Account & Following the Install Wizard.

Step 1. Check Activation Code Tab.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Open the website XeikonColorControl.com look to the right side of the home page.
You will see a button with [New User]. Click [New User] and the account activation page will appear.
Enter the ACTIVATION CODE in the area indicated and accept the terms and condition of the web site use.
Accept the Terms and Conditions of use.
Press the
button to move into the set up wizard.

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XeikonColorControl.com
Step 2. Company Data Tab - Account and User Details.

1. Fill in the COMPANY ADDRESS detail and Click [Save].

2. Choose the measurements which are applicable to your region. mm or inch
3. Next add at least 1 Admin user. The email address will become your user login. You can add other users at this
stage or add them later when your account is active.
4. Admin users are automatically added to the Management Information email distribution list. The web site will
send Management Reports to people with in this list. This too can be edited later when the account is active.
5. Press the
button to move forward.

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Step 3. Create Workflow Tab.
1.
2.

From the drop down menu choose the SPECTRO you will be using.
You must Create at least 1 WORKFLOW, (this can be edited later). More Can be Added later as well.

However the same print engine can have multiple workflows. E.G. The same engine might want optimizing for
Graphics Arts work, and also Photo Books. in this case the engine has 2 very different applications and you
would make 2 workflows changing the reproduction curves.

Colour Workflow Defined:[Name of Workflow] = Type of RIP + Print Engine + Reproduction Curve + Application
You will have at least 1 x Colour Workflow per print engine.

NOW create a workflow by following this steps.
3) Enter a Name for the workflow.
4) Choose the RIP/DFE.
5) Choose a Print Engine.
6) Choose a Reproduction Curve.

- For Beginners - Choose GRAPHICS ARTS for Offset Look and Feel or PHOTO OPTIMIZED for
Photo book / RGB image printing. An in depth manual on curves is available in the download section of

your account once you have created it.
7) Press [Save] and the workflow will be added to the list on the right side.
8. Repeat the process to add more workflows, when you have finished press the

button to move forward.

1
2

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Step 4. Download Files and Software.

1. Press [Download all]

2. Save all the downloads into a Install folder on the local computer.
!

What is happening at this stage?

a). A folder called PrintKit will be downloaded. The PrintKit folder contains; PDF print files which correspond to
Spectro you choose in the wizard, setup files, and a set up manual.
b). Set up manuals which correspond to the RIP(s) you choose in the wizard will be downloaded.
c). A set up application for ColorPort or i1 Profiler. The web site auto detects your O/S and depending on the
choice of spectro, the website will download the appropriate X-Rite installation application.
This application will be used to drive your spectro so that readings can be taken, which will be up loaded to the
web site later.

3. Press the

button to move forward.

Create an Install Folder on

your computer, Save your
downloads here.

PrintKit
RIP manuals
ColorPort or i1 Profiler
Installer.

Step 5. Login.

1. Press [Login] and your account will open up.

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Install

XeikonColorControl.com
Preparing the Local Computer - One time exercise.

Before you can use online colour management you must follow some one off set up routines so that the spectro
can be used.

1. Unzip all the downloaded files in your install folder.

2. Locate the PrintKit folder, and follow the SET UP manual. (This manuals are Unique to the Spectro you are using).
when you have successfully completed this your instrument should be ready to use.

Preparing the RIPs - One time exercise.

The DFE/RIP needs some preparation before you can start to colour manage it. The manuals downloaded to the
install folder will guide you through this process. If you are unsure about this operation please seek trained advice.

Preparing the Digital Print Engines.

All digital print engines have a CALIBRATION process. You must know this process so that you can be successful
with using your colour management and control tool. If you dont have this knowledge please contact your engine
supplier for training.

If you followed all these steps you are ready to start to use the system. p

TIP

Quick Tip.

Print off the ColorPort or i1 Profiler manual. This will guide you when using the spectro for
the first few times and remind you how to save the data.

Print the DFE manual, this will guide to load the profiles onto the RIP as you start to create
them.

When starting to use these tools the 2 processes you must master these are OPTIMIZATION
and VERIFY.

In the PrintKit folder you will find in the print files folder, the Optimization.PDF and the
Verify.PDF, you will be needing these files so take a look at them and make yourself familiar
with them.

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Optimization Process

Basic concepts and goals. Printer Optimization

The first goal is to make the print engine give best possible results for a given application and setup.
We refer to this process as optimization
.
When an engine is calibrated, and ALL icc colour management is turned OFF, the engine could be said to be printing in
its raw state. When we process the OPTIMIZE target file when the printer is in this state the resultant printed page
could be said to embody the colour capabilities of the machine. When you read this sheet with your spectro and
upload the results to the web site, the web site, takes this data and makes an ICC profile, this profile mathematically
describes the colour capability of the printer (its gamut).This is then loaded onto the RIP or workflow.
Within the RIP or workflow you will choose a COLOUR WISH, this is referred to as a SOURCE Profile. e.g. IS_
Coated_v2_eci.ICC . A source profile mathematically describes what you would like to see on the final production
print. The combination of the source (the desired result) and the optimized printer profile, allows the printer to
reproduce as near as possible, the desired result.

First time Use. Optimizing the Printer.

Step 1. Overview and Setup.

1. Once you have set up your DFE you will have a OPTIMIZE queue set up.
2. Calibrate the print engine. The calibration should be applied to the OPTIMIZE queue.
3. Process the OPTIMIZE. PDF through that queue. We suggest at least 5 copies are printed with digital engines.
4. Take the
th copy and read it with your spectro as described in the Colorport or i1 Profiler manual.
5. Once read you will save the file containing the reading to the local computer.
6. Make sure the print engine is warmed up.

Print Engine

WorkFlow Overview

DFE
Input queue: Optimize

Only 1 Optimize queue is

needed per DFE.

(Calibration applied)
(No colour management on)

Engine based
calibration
NOTE.
The Optimize File YOU have will be specific for your spectro.
!

Optimize.PDF

We suggest you print 5 copies on digital engines to allow the machine to warm up.
For inkjet PROOFERS 1 copy is ok and for offset you may have to print many copies.

WorkFlow Overview

Print Engine

XeikonColorControl.com

CGATS
Read target using
your instrument.

Save as CGATS file to a

folder.

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Upload CGATS file to

XeikonColorControl.com

XeikonColorControl.com
Step 2. Creating a Profile.

1. Login to XeikonColorControl.com.
2. You will see the workflow(s) you made in the wizard.
3. Locate the workflow for printer you are OPTIMIZING and press [Choose File].
4. Browse the CGATS file you have made and select it.
5. press [Process], the file containing your reading is uploaded to the website. You sound see the spinning wheel
whilst it is in process.
6. Once processed, a high lighted [Download] button appears.
7. Download the profile to a Profile folder on your local machine, just so you know where they are.

Create a folder to store your

profiles.

Profiles

NOTE.

The profile name is created by the web site, the name is

a compound of the workflow name and date..

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Step 3. Load Profile onto DFE or PrePress Workflow.

Once you have your profile you need to load it onto the RIP. Follow the instructions in the DFE manual.
Once loaded on the RIP you will create a production queue which uses the new profile, again the DFE manual will
show you how to do this. If all procedures have been followed correctly, your printer is now OPTIMIZED.

TIP

Quick Tip.

In the Download section of the web site you will find a set of sample files.

Print the sample files before you optimize and once again afterwards so that you have a
visual comparison.

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Verify Process.

Basic concepts and goals. Printer Verification

The second goal is to maintain the optimized print engine. This is a quality control routine which means repeatable
and consistent prints are produced.
We refer to this process as Verify.
You set up the printer with your desired goal (the source profile) and with the new Optimized profile (the destination
profile).
By printing the Verify.PDF supplied in the PrintKit, reading the result and uploading to the website, you will be told
how near your machine is to the desired goal.
By Verifying on a regular basis you will be able to track the drift in the machine. Once the machine has drifted too
far you will repeat the optimize process to bring the device back in line. Therefore you now have a closed loop

Default Quality Assurance. ISO 12647-2 - FOGRA 39L.

When a colour workflow is created, the web site sets you a quality assurance GOAL. The default goal is to measure
against FOGRA 39L using the 12647-2 Norm. RIPs should be set with ISO_Coated_v2_eci.icc as the source
profile when using this Quality Control (Q.C.) method. Please refer to the DFE for in-depth description of this set
up.
For beginners, this means the digital machine is trying to emulate the look and feel of offset printing, and is a good
starting point whilst learning the system.

Quality Assurance. IDEAlliance - GRACoL & Other International Standards.

The web site 100% supports other standards, their specifications and media wedges. However the default is FOGRA
39L. To change the Q.C., and have access to appropriate print files please refer to Quality Assurance and
!

NOTE.

Advanced / Custom Quality Assurance.

This subject is covered in the APP manual. Quality Assurance and Process Corrected Aims, which is available in
the downloads section of the web site.

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XeikonColorControl.com
Step 1. Overview and Setup of Verification Process.
1. Once you have set up your DFE you will have a VERIFY or Production queue.
3. Process the Verify.PDF through that queue. We suggest at least 5 copies are printed with digital engines.
4. Take the 4th copy and read it with your spectro as described in the ColorPort or i1 Profiler manual.
5. Once read you will save the file containing the reading to the local computer.

WorkFlow Overview

Print Engine

Input queue: Verify (CMYK)

DFE

(Calibration applied)
(NEW Optimized Profile Applied)

Input queue: CMYK production

(Calibration applied)
(NEW Optimized Profile Applied)

Verify.PDF

Engine based
calibration
The Verify and Production Queues (per application) are the same for colour set-ups.
However we conceptually split them here, as Verify always needs 5 copies, and production
may have imposition and other document production setting.

WorkFlow Overview

Print Engine

XeikonColorControl.com

CGATS
Read target using
your instrument.

Save as CGATS file to a

folder.

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Upload CGATS file to

XeikonColorControl.com

XeikonColorControl.com
Step 2. Creating Your Verification Report.

1. Login to XeikonColorControl.com.
2. You will see the workflow(s) you made in the wizard.
3. Locate the workflow for printer you are Verifying and press [Choose File].
4. Browse to the CGATS file you have made and select it.
5. Press [Process], the file containing your reading is uploaded to the website. You sound see the spinning wheel
whilst it is in process.
6. Once processed, a high lighted [Download] button appears.
7. You can see the summary report in the browser, and have the choice to see the full report as a PDF.

On screen summary report.

Full Report as PDF format.

NOTE.

Full explanation on quality reports are covered in the APP

manual. Quality Assurance and Process Corrected
Aims, which is available in the downloads section of the
web site.

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Basic Web Site Tour.

Basic over view - Home Page.

1
2
3
4
5

1. User Name, this is your email address, as set up in the Wizard.

2. Password.
3. Login.
4. New user, for setting up a new account.
5. Lost password button, just incase you forget.

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Basic over view - Operator Page.

Once you login you enter the OPERATOR PAGE.

1. Your Account, click here to enter the service page.
2. Workflow Name.
3. Downloads and activity summary. This shows you the last 5 operations in that workflow, a full history is available
the service page area..

Basic over view - Accessing Service Page.

1. Click on the Account Name, and choose Service Page. The service page appears, with the [Workflows] tab
selected.

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Service Page - Workflow tab - Overview.

1
2

Feature
Under
Construction

Feature
Under
Construction

Feature
Under
Construction

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Grey tab indicates you are on Workflow page.

Basic workflow editor. Press
to edit.
Quality Control editor / Process Corrected Aims Creator. Press
Reproduction Curve editor. Press
to edit.
Add a new workflow press
. Delete workflow press
.
Device Link profile creator and editor. Press
to edit.
Navigation buttons, use to move to different workflows.

NOTE.

to edit.

In depth explanations for all these settings will can be found in the downloads sections under the .APPs.

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Service Page - Custom Colours - Overview.

1
2

Feature
Under
Construction

1. Grey tab indicates you are on Custom Colours page.

2. The web site, can be used to optimize spot colours. See App Manaul.

NOTE.

In depth explanations for all these settings will can be found in the downloads sections under the .APPs.

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Service Page - ISO+ / Control Strip - Overview.

Feature
Under
Construction

1. Grey tab indicates you are on Create ISO - Control strip.

NOTE.

In depth explanations for all these settings will can be found in the downloads sections under the .APPs.

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Service Page - Downloads - Overview.

1
2

1. Grey tab indicates you are on Download sections.

2. Manuals, Software, Tools, and Sample files, can be downloaded here.
3. A full history of use of the web site can be found here.

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Service Page - Customer Details - Overview.

1
2

6
7

Feature
Under
Construction

1. Grey tab indicates you are on Customer details.

2. Company Information. Press
to edit.
3. Add new users.
4. Edit existing users. Press
to edit.
5. Your License Information.
6. Management Reports. Add or edit recipients of management reports.
7. Change Units.

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Coming Soon. New Developments.

Feature
Under
Construction

New features will be announced on the front page of the of the web site, and via social media.

Thank You.

Our goal is to make a powerful and evolving tool, which benefits your business.
We thank you for using our product & wish you great success in mastering your colour environment.
Team Xeikon Color Control

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