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A desktop color management system uses ICC profiles to convert colors from one 
device gamut to the next (see Appendix B). The color data is converted when it is 
passed from one application to another or when the job is sent to the copier, so the 
processing occurs on your computer as opposed to the Fiery X4.

One advantage of using ColorWise color management over desktop color management 
is that your computer is spared the added processing chores; delaying color conversions 
until the color data reaches the Fiery X4 frees up your computer so you can continue 
working, and color conversions on the Fiery X4 are in most cases much faster than 
similar conversions on a host computer.

Managing most or all of your color on the Fiery X4 can also eliminate the potential for 
undesirable color management-related conflicts, such as iterative color conversions and 
inconsistent color. The Fiery X4 applies global corrections to specific groups of RGB, 
CMYK, and PANTONE colors to avoid such conflicts. 

Finally, by sending RGB files instead of larger CMYK files from applications to the 
Fiery X4, network traffic is minimized and jobs are generally printed more quickly.

ColorWise uses ICC profiles to convert colors to the copier gamut or to simulate other 
devices such as an offset printing press. ColorWise manages color conversions for all 
users printing to the Fiery X4 from Windows and Mac OS computers. It lets users 
follow a simple workflow with minimal intervention using robust default settings, 
while giving advanced users the control and precision they need. 

The Fiery X4 can intelligently manage the printed appearance of RGB, CMYK, and 
PANTONE colors. You can let the Fiery X4 manage color for most short-run color 
printing jobs without adjusting any settings.

Every time you print a document containing colors that were not chosen for your 
specific copier, those colors need to be converted, which requires color management. 
There are many places where color management can take place. Since ColorWise is 
compatible with most other color management systems, you can use the workflow 
most familiar to you.

This section provides examples of color workflows that should meet the needs of most 
Fiery X4 users. For information on specific desktop applications, see Chapters 6 
through 9.

Consider that colors can be defined or modified at any stage in the workflow, as illustrated 
in the following diagram.

For the colors you see on your monitor to match those on your printed output, they 
must go through color management, including precise calibration of your monitor and 
copier. If you are not equipped or inclined to maintain accurate monitor color 
management, you may opt for an easier approach. First, determine which is more 
important for you—printed colors or monitor displayed colors. 

If displayed colors are more important, trust your eyes and your monitor. Visually 
select colors on your monitor, but be aware that colors will be optimized only for your 
monitor. When the document is opened on other monitors, the colors may look 
different. And even though printed colors may not match those displayed on your 
monitor, they will still print on the Fiery X4 with good results.

If printed colors are your priority, choose colors from printed samples. By using these 
sample colors, your printed output will remain consistent regardless of how the colors 
appear on different monitors. Print the palette of available colors from business 
applications and then select colors from the printed samples. The Fiery X4 comes with 

color reference files on the user software CD (see page 5-2). You can also print the 
color charts from the Control Panel and select colors by numbers or by name from the 
printed samples. Advanced applications let you define colors in the easier-to-control 
PANTONE and CMYK color spaces. See Chapter 5 for more advice on color 
selection. 

No matter which workflow most closely matches your own, you should calibrate your 
copier regularly (see Chapter 3).

Every time colors are converted, performance and color accuracy are affected. 
Therefore, a workflow with fewer steps minimizes the risk of error.

A minimal color workflow requires that you calibrate the copier. Select from printed 
colors as described above, and set the CMYK Simulation option to None, since 
simulation is not needed when colors are already defined using CMYK values 
optimized for your calibrated copier.

CMYK Simulation set to None is also useful when you want to prepare an 

output profile of your calibrated copier or when you use less efficient color 
management from the desktop (such as ColorSync or ICM). 

In this workflow, colors are modified only at the calibration stage. This is indicated by 
the black box in the diagram below.

While this workflow lends some control over the color quality produced by the copier, 
you should consider additional ColorWise color management, as described in the next 
section.

Fiery X4 servers are highly optimized for the specific copier they drive, and ColorWise 
addresses many issues unique to your copier, including screens, individual toner 
response, interactions among toners, natural smoothness of blends, and the capability 
to render PANTONE and custom colors. The Fiery X4 distinguishes text and graphic 
from image elements, so the black channel information is preserved while parameters 
used for CMYK color separations are maintained.

Conventional color management systems typically address only color conversions, and 
they occupy your computer’s processor. When you use ColorWise, jobs leave your 
computer faster to be processed more quickly on the Fiery X4.

The recommended standard color workflow (indicated by the black boxes in the 
diagram below) uses ColorWise calibration and color management.

The Fiery X4 comes into play near the end of the color workflow. To ensure that the 
colors you have selected reach the Fiery X4 and ColorWise in a usable form, you 
should bypass any color management from applications and printer drivers. (Keep in 
mind, however, that color management from applications and printer drivers is fully 
supported by ColorWise (see “Advanced workflows” on page 2-9). 

You must print with the CMYK Simulation print option set to match the CMYK 
color space in your application when you selected the colors. Any CMYK Simulation 
setting (except Match Copy) applies calibration, so the response of the copier will 
appear to be stable. 

The recommended values for CMYK Simulation are SWOP in America, Euroscale in 
Europe, and DIC in Japan—choices that respect the color standard for each region. If 
colors have been selected specifically for your calibrated copier, set CMYK Simulation 
to None.