FAQ

General Questions

Is there an integrated help function available in GMG OpenColor?

No, but you can access our GMG OpenColor Help Center on the internet directly from the software. To do so, please click on the gear icon at the top right and select Help.... This will open the Help Center start page in your default browser.

What is the definition of "multicolor"?

In a multicolor workflow, the standard CMYK ink set is extended with additional colors, thus enhancing the color space. Especially the 7-ink combination CMYK + OGV, i.e. the additional use of orange, green, and violet, can be very beneficial. With these seven inks, you can cover a very wide range of spot colors without changing inks on the press.

Why does the spot color on my proof differ visually from the Pantone® color guide?

Printed Pantone® color guides, like all printed products, are subjects to production fluctuations and age-related color changes. They are thus not a reliable reference for comparison.

Download & Installation

Where can I find the latest GMG OpenColor version?

You can find the current version in our download center under https://gmgcolor.com/support/download/product/opencolor/.

Where can I find the GMG OpenColor manual?

During the installation, the user guide is saved as a PDF file in your GMG OpenColor folder automatically. You can also download the manual as well as further documentation from our tutorial page under the following link: Tutorials

How can I uninstall GMG OpenColor completely?

By following the steps below, you can remove GMG OpenColor and all its components. This also includes configuration files such as measurements, characterizations, projects, and profiles. If you would like to install and use GMG OpenColor later again, we recommend you to create an environment backup before uninstalling.

Network

Which ports and URLs are used by GMG OpenColor?

An overview of the ports and URLs used can be found on our website under the following link: Ports and URLs

Media

Why do I need to define the paper white point?

An adjustment of the paper white point is necessary to simulate the target colors on the actual substrate optimally and to avoid visible color shifts.

How can I define the paper white point?

If your original files do not contain a substrate value, you can either measure the substrate color or duplicate and adjust the substrate color from another, already existing characterization.

How can I measure the paper white point of my media?

If you have an integrated or externally connected measuring device, you can measure the substrate color under Database > Measure > Custom Patches.

Measuring

Which measuring conditions are available in GMG OpenColor?

In GMG OpenColor, the measuring conditions M0, M1, and M2 can be used.

What are the differences between M0, M1, and M2?

The measuring conditions differ primarily in their adaption to different viewing conditions. The modes each contain different UV light values.

When should I select which measuring condition?

With our solutions GMG ProofControl and GMG ProofControl Inline, the selection is done automatically, so you don't have to think about it. For the verification of existing standards, the mode defined in the given reference is automatically used.

Which measuring device should I choose to cover as many measuring conditions as possible?

The measuring devices ILS30, i1 Pro2 and iSis 2 are all able to measure with M0, M1 as well as M2. Due to this flexibility, all of them can be recommended without restriction.

Which measuring condition is used for Pantone® databases?

The Pantone® databases in GMG OpenColor use the measuring condition M2 instead of M0 or M1, as in all our solutions. The advantage is consistency with Adobe® products, which all use M2 mode for Pantone® spot colors.

Which CxF versions are supported for measurement data import?

You can import spectral characterizations in Color Exchange Format 3, CxF3 for short. If the measurement data is available as a custom CxF/X‑4 resource according to ISO 17972‑4, spot color gradations are also taken into account by GMG OpenColor.

Can I measure my test charts with a third party application?

Yes, but the third-party software needs not only the test charts themselves, but also additional information about the exact chart layout. You can export both in GMG OpenColor: the test charts as PDF files, the metadata as CGATS files. These formats can be read by all common third-party applications.

How can I use my Epson SureColor SC-S80600 with GMG solutions?

We have created a guideline for you which guides you through the most important steps and functions when using your Epson SureColor SC-S80600 with our solutions. You can find this and further documentation on our GMG ColorProof tutorial page under the following link: GMG ColorProof Tutorials

Converting

What are separation rules?

In simple terms, separation rules are a kind of translation tool for colors. If your input file contains a different color space than your output system, the colors need to be converted to the color set of your printer. This process is called separation. The conversion values for this color separation are stored in the separation rules and also take specific process parameters into account. This ensures best possible printing results for your custom conditions. Further information on separation rules can be found under the following link: Separation Rules

Can I convert MXN and MXD profiles to MX4?

No, such a conversion is not possible. MXN and MXD profiles are multicolor profiles using spectral data. The MX4 format, on the other hand, only allows the use of up to 4 colors (CMYK) and requires Lab values. However, with a GMG ProfileEditor license, you can create an MX4 profile yourself.

Backup & Restore

Should I create a backup of my installation?

We recommend you to backup regularly, as this will allow your system to be restored in case of emergency. If required, a backup can also be used for migrating your installation to another system.

How do I create a backup?

GMG OpenColor provides an integrated backup function that allows you to manually backup your system if necessary. You can find it under Options (gear icon) > Database > Create Backup.

What To Do in Case of Error Messages?

Error message after update: "You do not have a license to run this application." / "Your application license has expired."

Please make sure that you own a valid license for the installed version. If you have done an upgrade instead of a service update, you need a new license in order to run GMG OpenColor. You can recognize an upgrade by the fact that the number in the first or second position of the version name has changed, e.g. from version 1.1.x to 2.0.x or from version 2.3.x to 2.4.x.

Error message: "Connection to the dongle cannot be established. Please plug-in the dongle."

If no connection can be established to your dongle, this can be due to the hardware as well as the software.

Error message: "Not implemented – Label to chain / Mxc color error."

If you receive this error message when trying to print dynamically, there is a corrupt file within the GMG OpenColor project. Please perform a database cleanup after backing up your system first.

Error message: "Error updating database."

If you receive this error message when starting GMG OpenColor, there are two corrupt files in your database folder and must be deleted.

How can I clean the database, e.g. in case of an error?

In GMG OpenColor, there is an automatic function for cleaning up the database. You can find it under Options (gear icon) > Database > Cleanup Database