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Calibrating the Fiery X3e ensures consistent, reliable color output. This chapter 
explains how 

 works and provides instructions for all calibration 

procedures. You can calibrate the Fiery X3e using ColorWise Pro Tools in combination 
with any of the following color measurement instruments:

• EFI Spectrometer ES-1000 hand-held spectrometer

• EFI Densitometer ED-100 hand-held densitometer

• X-Rite DTP41 automatic scanning spectrophotometer

• X-Rite DTP32 automatic scanning densitometer

By connecting one of these instruments to a serial or USB port on your computer, you 
can quickly measure calibration color patches and download measurements to the 
Fiery X3e.

To use the ES-1000 or ED-100 with a Mac OS computer, you must connect the 

instrument to a USB port. You also need an adaptor to connect the ES-1000 or 
ED-100 to the Mac OS computer. For more information, contact your service 
technician/representative. For information about setting up and operating the DTP41 
and DTP32, see 

Another way to obtain measurements is by using the copier/printer’s built-in scanner 
as part of AutoCal

™

 or ColorCal

™

, which do not require the use of a measurement 

instrument and can be run from ColorWise Pro Tools or the Fiery X3e Control Panel.

When choosing a calibration method, keep in mind that methods using a color 
measurement instrument such as the ES-1000, DTP41, or DTP32 are generally the 
best. We recommend using the ES-1000 because it captures measurements very 
accurately and quickly, can be used to calibrate and profile printers using pages with 
randomized patches, and can be used to measure and adjust individual spot colors.

For information about advanced calibration and simulation features available with 
ColorWise Pro Tools, such as editing profiles and creating custom profiles, see 

. A format for inputting color measurements from other 

 is 

The procedures described in this chapter are fundamentally the same for 

Windows and Mac OS computers. The main differences are the interface cable and the 
port used to connect to the measurement instrument. The illustrations in this chapter 
describe the Windows version.

The term computer is used to refer to any computer running 

ColorWise Pro Tools.

Calibration generates curves that adjust for the difference between the actual toner 
densities (measurements) and the response expected by the output profile.

• Measurements represent the actual color behavior of the copier/printer.

• Calibration sets are sets of measurements.

• A calibration target that describes the expected behavior of the copier/printer is 

contained in each output profile.

After you have calibrated the Fiery X3e, a calibration set is stored. This calibration set 
will be used when it is associated with an output profile. Every output profile has an 
associated calibration set. If you have not specified one, the calibration set associated 
with the default output profile is used.

If you change the calibration after a saved job has been processed (RIPped), you do not 
need to reprocess (reRIP) the job. The new calibration affects the job without needing 
to be reprocessed.

Changing calibration has the potential to affect all jobs for all users, so consider 

limiting the number of people authorized to perform calibration. Set an Administrator 
password in Fiery X3e Setup to control access to calibration (see the

Although most users’ needs are met by the default calibration set, the Fiery X3e allows 
you to choose a calibration set to customize calibration for specialized jobs. 

Calibration allows you to:

• Maximize the color reproduction capabilities of the Fiery X3e.

• Ensure consistent color quality over time.

• Produce consistent output across Fiery X3e servers.

• Achieve better color matches when reproducing 

, such as PANTONE 

colors or other 

 systems.

• Optimize the Fiery X3e for using ColorWise rendering styles (CRDs) and CMYK 

simulations, and for using ICC profiles.

Success in obtaining satisfactory print quality from the Fiery X3e depends on many 
factors. Among the most important are establishing and maintaining optimal toner 
densities. The 

 is the measure of the light absorbed by a surface. By carefully 

regulating toner densities, you obtain consistent printed color.

Even with a calibrated system, toner density is affected by service settings, humidity, 
and temperature; density also tends to drift over time. Regular measurement detects 
day-to-day variations in densities, and calibration corrects for them.

Calibration works by creating calibration curves on the Fiery X3e that compensate for 
the difference between actual (measured) and desired (target) density values. These 
calibration curves are the graphic equivalent of transfer functions, which are 
mathematical descriptions of changes that will be made to the initial data. Transfer 
functions are often graphed as input or output curves.

The Fiery X3e generates calibration curves after comparing measured values to the 
final target values for each of the four toner colors. The target values are based on the 
output profile specified.

Measurement files contain numerical values that correspond to the toner density 
produced by the copier/printer when it prints solid cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, 
and graduated tints of those colors.

To create a measurement file, print a page of color patches. Then measure the patches 
using either a color measurement instrument connected to a computer on the network 
or, if it is available, the print device’s scanner. The new measurements are automatically 
downloaded to the Fiery X3e.

Output profiles and calibration sets define desired calibration results. One or more 
output profiles and calibration sets are provided with the Fiery X3e. When you 
calibrate the Fiery X3e, select the calibration set that corresponds to the typical 
printing jobs at your site. This same calibration set can be associated with one or more 
output profiles. For more information about output profiles, see 

.

In general, calibrate the Fiery X3e at least once a day, depending on the volume of 
print jobs. If it is very important to maintain consistent color, or if the copier/printer is 
subject to wide fluctuations in temperature or humidity, calibrate every few hours. For 
optimal performance, calibrate whenever there is a noticeable change in print quality.

If you must split a print job into two or more batches to be printed at different times, 
it is especially important to calibrate before printing each batch. You should also 
calibrate the Fiery X3e after copier/printer maintenance.

Because printed output from the copier/printer is very sensitive to changes in 

temperature and humidity, the copier/printer should not be installed near a window or 
in direct sunlight, or near a heater or air conditioner. Paper is sensitive to climate 
changes as well. It should be stored in a cool, dry, stable environment, and reams 
should remain sealed until they are needed.