Using a color library either with a few selected colors or a large reference library (PANTONE® or similar), neoMatch is able to calibrate and match their colors as close as possible to the reference.


1. First of all, we have to make sure that neoMatch Preferences are set at ∂E94 (Textile) or ∂E2000; and that the Rendering Method is Absolute Colorimetric. On the other hand, we also have to make sure that the neoStampa Colour Scheme has the Rendering Intent for Spot Color also set as Absolute Colorimetric (it's the default value).


2. We create a new document on neoMatch and we open the Measurement Settings to set up the spectrophotometer. We have to select D65 / 10, and we can make more than one reading on Average so our measurements are more precise.


3. We can measure the fabric to check if it has an optic whitener (OBA). If so, we can use the UV filter for more accurate readings.


4. We measure each and all the colors we want to match and we name them. We have to be careful to use the same naming convention we use on our design program (either Illustrator, Photoshop. InDesign, or CorelDraw). If we have a long list, we can Create a list and import it beforehand.


5. Once we have all the names and readings introduced, we load the machine profile we use on the neoStampa scheme and we can start matching colors.


6. We click on the Reference TIF icon to export a file we can print on neoStampa and read later. If we want to generate a library with LAB values instead, we just have to check Export in LAB values and print the generated file.


7. Once we have the print, we can set the spectrophotometer to (UV) Reflectance Scan with the same Scan Count (20), select the first file of values (000), and start reading. A blue column of numbers will appear indicating the values we are reading (nM 2.4 onwards).


8. Once we're finished reading all the values, we click on Improved TIF to generate a new set of colors, closer to the original readings. If we check Export only ∂E higher or equal than [1], only these values will be exported. We can print this file, select again the first line and start reading the improved values. Since the closest values are not exported, each iteration has fewer and fewer readings. You can see which colors you are reading in the blue column.


9. Usually, improving the values in two or three iterations is enough to get a good match and we can export our Best RGB or Best LAB (only if we're generated our printed files in LAB).


10. We can Import the CSV table into the neoStampa library and print a PDF file with the matched colors to check the results.


Please be aware that some PANTONE color libraries (Solid Coated, for example) are designed for mixed offset inks, so some of the colors are not achievable in digital printing and have an ∂E between 2 and 5 (usually around 1/5 of them).