In color management, an ICC profile is a set of data that characterizes a color input or output device, or a color space, according to standards promulgated by the International Color Consortium (ICC). Profiles describe the color attributes of a particular device or viewing requirement by defining a mapping between the device source or target color space and a profile connection space (PCS).

Printing ink is simply a combination of pigment and solvent. The ideal color will be affected by the three factors — ink,printer, and printing material. The ICC profile can be as the printer selects a certain ratio of the ink output to achieve the desired color effect. The sequence instructions issued by each predetermined program to the printer during printing that which color ink should be used and how much ink is used to combine the color dots on the job pattern.

How can I get TRUE COLOR with my inkjet printer?

There are several possbilities that can affect the printing color:

1.Printer model: accurately means the electronic boards and printhead within printer.

2.Ink type:normally digital printer manufacturers never produce ink themselves, they only purchase suitable ink for their products

3.RIP software:there’re several famouse RIP software companies from different countries such as Onyx,Photoprint,Printfactory,Caldera,etc. They support almost all printers in the market.

4.ICC profile:ICC profile is the link between RIP software and printer, the color of output printing denends on suitable ICC file.

5.Material: for same printer,normally you will get a little different effect with different materials, even these materials from same famous manufacturer. that’s why they suggest to print out large picture with same roll material.

For all digital inkjet printer manufacturers, they will purchase ink from supplier and test them in order to confirm this brand of ink suitable for their products,without damage for printhead after longtime printing. then they will make ICC with tested ink for their printer before shipping for customers. That’s why manufacturers suggested to use original ink for their products, it’s not only for making a profit, also for protecting printer and printheads. Because bad quality ink will damage printhead while printing.