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Graphic Design vocabulary · Colour Theory

Colour profile

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˈkʌlər ˌproʊfaɪl/nounAdvanced term

In graphic design, colour profile means: A small data set attached to a file or device that describes how its colours should be shown or printed, helping colours stay consistent between screens, software and presses.

In Turkish: renk profili, ICC profili

How it is used

Used in colour management and printer specifications. You assign, embed or convert to a colour profile; sRGB is standard for screens, and printers may ask for a profile such as Coated FOGRA39 for coated paper in Europe.

Example sentences

  1. Ask the printer which colour profile they use before converting the images to CMYK.

  2. The colors looked different on my laptop because the file had no embedded color profile.

Common collocations

  • embed a colour profile
  • convert to profile
  • ICC profile
  • colour management
  • CMYKCyan, magenta, yellow and key (black): the four ink colours used in most colour printing. Mixing them in small dots creates the full range of printed colours.
  • RGBRed, green and blue: the three colours of light that screens mix to show every colour. It is the colour mode for websites, apps, social media and video.
  • proofA trial version of a design, on paper or as a PDF, that the designer and client check carefully for mistakes and colour before the full print run starts.
  • print-readyDescribes a final file that meets the printer's requirements and can go straight to press, with correct size, bleed, colour mode, image resolution and fonts.

More terms: Colour Theory

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