Print Color Specification & Production Guide
Generate CMYK specs, color separations & substrate-specific print production guides
What You Can Do
You generate precise color specifications that account for substrate behavior, ink physics, halftone dot gain, and printing method constraints. The skill translates RGB designs into substrate-specific CMYK values, recommends process vs. spot color strategies, and creates separation protocols that eliminate costly reprints and color mismatches. You'll produce vendor-ready color documentation that communicates exact specifications to printers and pre-press providers.
Features
Example Output
Example 1: Coated Stock CMYK Specification
- RGB #0047AB (brand blue) → CMYK 95/75/10/5 (coated stock profile)
- Pantone reference: 280 C
- Dot gain compensation: +3% halftone at 175 lpi
- Ink coverage: 185% total (avoid cockling)
- Vendor spec: "Print to Pantone 280 C with ±5 ∆E tolerance on 80# gloss coated"
Example 2: Uncoated Paper Strategy
- Same RGB #0047AB → CMYK 100/80/15/10 (uncoated adjustment)
- Shift rationale: Uncoated absorbs more cyan, requires higher magenta for color match
- Recommendation: Use spot color Pantone 280 U instead (cost-effective, guarantees consistency)
- Flesh tone protection: Reduce cyan by 5% to prevent greenish cast on uncoated
Example 3: Multi-Vendor Color Brief
- Process color spec with ±10% ink coverage tolerance per substrate
- Halftone screen: 175 lpi at 45° (black), 15°/75°/105° (CMY)
- Black ink: 100% K only (no composite black)
- Color bars and measurement points included for press check
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file with color specification framework:
- CMYK conversion reference table with substrate profiles (coated, uncoated, specialty):
- Color separation decision matrix for process vs. spot color selection:
- Pantone matching & specification template for vendor communication:
- Dot gain & ink coverage calculator with method-specific guidelines:
- Brand color consistency workflow for multi-vendor production management:
Who It's For
- Graphic designers managing print production workflows and color handoff to vendors
- Print production managers creating technical color specifications for print shops
- Brand managers ensuring color consistency across multiple printing vendors and campaigns
- Pre-press technicians preparing files and color separations for production
- Marketing professionals coordinating color specifications for packaging, collateral, and promotional materials
Best For
- Converting digital designs to production-ready CMYK color specifications
- Selecting optimal printing method and color approach (process, spot, or hybrid) for specific projects
- Creating substrate-specific color strategies that account for paper or material behavior
- Generating vendor briefs and technical color documentation for print shops
- Troubleshooting color consistency issues across multiple print runs or vendors
- Developing brand color standards that work across different printing methods and substrates
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