Color Mapping - Document Component

Color Mapping - Document Component

 Color Mapper Tool

The Color Mapper tool applies a predefined color mapping to your jobs in a PrintFactory workflow. It ensures that spot colors and brand colors are converted consistently to the correct output values before printing.

Overview

Use the Color Mapper tool to standardize spot and brand color conversions automatically. By selecting a color mapping file stored in your Cloud Hub, you can ensure that all jobs using the workflow apply the same color definitions every time. Color mappings can be created in the Editor’s Color Mapping Tool or uploaded manually to your Cloud Hub → Resources → ColorMappings area.

Before You Start

  • Make sure your desired color mappings are already uploaded to Cloud Hub → Resources → ColorMappings.
  • If needed, create or edit color mappings in the Editor using the Color Mapping tool.

Opening the Tool

  1. Open the Workflow Editor in PrintFactory.
  2. Add or select the Color Mapper step.
  3. Click Configure to open the Color Mapper setup dialog.

Color Mapper Setup Dialog

The setup dialog lists all color mappings available in your Cloud Hub account. Each mapping contains predefined color conversions.

  • Color Mapping — Select a color mapping from the drop‑down list. The list shows every mapping currently uploaded to your Cloud Hub resources.
  • OK — Save your selection.
  • Cancel — Close without saving.

How It Works

When the workflow runs, the Color Mapper step applies the selected color mapping to every job that passes through it. All spot colors defined in the mapping are automatically converted to their assigned output values. This guarantees color consistency across devices and production runs.

Using Color Mapper in Workflows

  1. Ensure the required color mapping exists in your Cloud Hub resources.
  2. Open your workflow and add the Color Mapper step.
  3. Click Configure and select the mapping you want to use.
  4. Click OK to confirm.
  5. Place the step before color management or printing steps in your workflow.
  6. Run the workflow and verify that your output colors match expectations.

Tips & Best Practices

  • Keep your color mappings updated in Cloud Hub so all workflows can access the latest versions.
  • Use clear, descriptive names for mappings (e.g., “Brand Colors v2” or “Corporate Spot Mapping”).
  • For testing new mappings, duplicate your workflow and run sample jobs first.
  • Create mappings in the Editor if you need to map new or custom spot colors.
  • Only one mapping can be active per Color Mapper step—use separate steps for different mappings if needed.

Summary

The Color Mapper tool ensures consistent and automated spot color conversions across all jobs. By selecting a mapping from your Cloud Hub resources, you guarantee predictable, standardized color results in every workflow.

    • Related Articles

    • White - Document Component

      White Generation Create and control spot white (and other special inks like varnish/primer) per document. Supports multiple layers, spread/choke, alpha cutoff, and spot filtering. Workflow → add step White. Configure in the dialog; use the Variable ...
    • Cut Contour - Document Component

      Cut Contour Tool The Cutcontour tool prepares cutting paths for print‑and‑cut workflows. It detects and maps spot colors used for cutting to named cut layers, and can generate contours automatically from page content when none exist. Overview Use ...
    • Color Mapping: Sequential option

      The color mapping tool has 2 various option to apply the mappings set, either Sequential or not. Option available from V2026.1.1 To explain sequential and non-sequential spot mapping, we use the hypothetical example below. 100% Cyan patch and 100% ...
    • XML input Component

      Preserved elements /Job and /NestParts are preserved elements in the Root of the XML. These XML's aren't supported won't work properly in the XML Component. Single Document XML example You can use Elements and Attributes in your XML. Mandatory is a ...
    • Excel / CSV input Component

      General Excel or CSV files can be used in a Hotfolder to inject Documents into Workflow. Each row in a Excel / CSV file will be handled as a individual Job. Mandatory is a direct downloadable path to your Document. This can be a file path to a ...