kleurafgabe

Kleurafgabe, also spelled kleurafgave in Dutch, is a term used in design, printing and digital media to describe the process of issuing or assigning color information for a project. The concept encompasses the collection and communication of color requirements that guide how colors are reproduced across media, ensuring consistency between designers, manufacturers and printers.

In practice, kleurafgabe refers to a set of specifications that accompanies artwork and instructs production teams on how colors should be reproduced. Typical deliverables include color values in multiple color spaces (RGB, CMYK, Pantone or other color systems), color profiles or ICC profiles, and reference materials such as swatches or proofs. The term is often used to distinguish the planning stage from actual production, serving as a bridge between creative design and technical execution.

The term is applied across several sectors. In prepress and printing, it emphasizes precise color reproduction and proofing workflows. In branding and marketing, it highlights the need to maintain color consistency with brand standards across various media. In digital workflows, it can refer to handing off color palettes and specifications between software teams and outside vendors. Because meanings can vary by industry, kleurafgabe is typically documented in a specification sheet or brief and aligned with color management practices to minimize miscommunication.

Etymology: a compound of kleur (color) and afgave (delivery/assignment), reflecting its role as the assignment of color information for production.