In the prepress stage, "color separation" refers to the process of splitting a multi-colored image or design into separate color channels or layers for printing. This process is necessary to ensure that each printing color (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black in CMYK printing) is transferred separately onto the printing plate and correctly applied to the printing medium. Color separation is an important step in offset printing, flexographic printing, screen printing, as well as digital print production.
Typical features of software in the "color separation" area include:
Channel editing: The ability to edit each color channel individually to make color corrections or apply effects to specific colors.
Color profile assignment: Functions for assigning color profiles to each separate color channel to ensure accurate color reproduction in print.
Preview of separate colors: Displaying a preview of the separate color channels to ensure that the color separation meets the requirements of the printing process.
Overprint preview: Ability to preview how colors will overlay to ensure that no unwanted color shifts or effects occur.
Automation of separation processes: Tools for automating the separation process to improve efficiency and accuracy in preparing print files.