fargehåndteringsprogramvare

Color management, or fargehåndtering in Norwegian, refers to the set of processes and technologies used to preserve and reproduce colors consistently across different devices and media. Because displays, cameras, scanners, and printers interpret color differently, a color management system aims to translate colors between devices so that a given color appears as similar as possible from one device to another.

Central to the system are color spaces and ICC profiles. Color spaces define mathematical descriptions of colors (for example sRGB on screens, CMYK for printing, or Lab for perceptual color). ICC profiles describe how a specific device reproduces colors and how to map colors between devices. Proper calibration and profiling establish a baseline so a device's output is predictable.

Rendering intents determine how colors outside a device's gamut are handled during conversion (perceptual, relative colorimetric, absolute colorimetric, and saturation). Soft proofing and embedded profiles in image files support color management within software such as image editors and page layout programs.

Best practices include calibrating monitors, selecting appropriate working spaces, embedding ICC profiles in files, and using color-managed software to view and print imagery. While color management improves consistency, it relies on accurate devices, current profiles, and proper workflow, and some perceptual differences may remain between devices.