Getting Started Guide

Learn how to create your first color separation with Color Sep Pro, step by step.

Table of Contents

1. Installation & Setup

  • 1

    Download the installer from your Account Dashboard after purchasing a license.

  • 2

    Run the installer and follow the setup wizard.

  • 3

    Launch Color Sep Pro and sign in with your account email.

  • 4

    The application will automatically activate your license on this device.

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2. Importing Your Artwork

  • 1

    Click "Open File" or drag and drop your image into the workspace.

  • 2

    Supported formats: PNG, TIFF, JPEG, PSD.

  • 3

    For best results, use images at 300 DPI or higher resolution.

  • 4

    The application will analyze the image and display detected colors.

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3. Spot Color Configuration

  • 1

    Review the automatically detected spot colors in the Color Panel.

  • 2

    Add, remove, or merge colors as needed using the color picker.

  • 3

    Set target spot colors by entering exact RGB/Hex values or selecting from a palette.

  • 4

    Adjust color tolerance to fine-tune how pixels are assigned to each channel.

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4. Fine-Tuning Separations

  • 1

    Use the Channel panel to adjust individual color channels.

  • 2

    Control overlap between adjacent colors for proper trapping.

  • 3

    Set ink order to match your printing sequence.

  • 4

    Adjust minimum dot size and detail preservation settings.

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5. Preview & Verify

  • 1

    Toggle individual channels on/off to inspect each separation.

  • 2

    Use the composite view to see how all channels combine.

  • 3

    Zoom in to check detail areas, halftone dots, and trapping.

  • 4

    Use the print simulation mode to preview the final printed result.

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6. Halftone Settings

  • 1

    Open the Halftone panel to configure dot patterns.

  • 2

    Set DPI/LPI, dot shape (round, ellipse, square, diamond, line).

  • 3

    Configure the screen angle for each channel — auto-assign prevents moiré.

  • 4

    Adjust tone curves for highlight, midtone, and shadow dot gain compensation.

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7. Exporting Separations

  • 1

    Click "Export" and choose your desired format (PNG, TIFF, PSD, SVG, AI).

  • 2

    Select which channels to export — all channels or specific ones.

  • 3

    Enable registration marks and color labels for film output.

  • 4

    Choose output resolution and color space settings.

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8. Application Settings

  • 1

    Access Settings from the top menu to configure preferences.

  • 2

    Set default export format, resolution, and file naming conventions.

  • 3

    Configure auto-save interval and backup location.

  • 4

    Manage your license, check for software updates, and view your device activation status.

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