WYSIWYP (What You See Is What You Print)

Describes graphics applications that use a color management system to calibrate printers and monitors so that printout will reproduce the colors and resolution of the image displayed on the screen.
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WYSIWYP (What You See Is What You Print)

WYSIWYP, which stands for “What You See Is What You Print,” refers to the technological capability within graphics applications that use a color management system to ensure that the colors and resolution of a digital image displayed on a monitor are accurately reproduced on printouts. This capability is crucial for achieving consistency between the digital design and the final printed product, thereby eliminating discrepancies that may otherwise occur due to differences in how screens and printers interpret color data.

Examples

  • Adobe Photoshop: A popular graphic design application that offers comprehensive color management tools allowing designers to calibrate displays and printers for accurate color reproduction.
  • CorelDRAW: Another graphic design software that includes color calibration tools to ensure what you see on your monitor will closely match your output on paper.
  • Epson Print Layout: A specialized printing software that enables users to manage color profiles and calibrate printers and screens, ensuring high-precision prints that match the displayed images.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is WYSIWYP important in graphic design?

  • A1: WYSIWYP ensures that the final printed materials closely match the original designs displayed on a screen, maintaining color accuracy and image resolution. This is crucial for branding consistency, professional printing, and minimizing waste due to misprints.

Q2: How does a color management system work in WYSIWYP?

  • A2: A color management system works by ensuring that devices involved in the design and print process (monitors, printers, scanners) all use a standardized color profile. This calibration process makes sure that colors are consistently interpreted across different devices.

Q3: Can WYSIWYP be applied to all types of printers?

  • A3: Yes, WYSIWYP can be applied to various types of printers, however, the accuracy might depend on the printer’s capabilities and the quality of the color profiles used.

Q4: What tools are required for effective WYSIWYP?

  • A4: Effective WYSIWYP requires software that supports color management systems, calibrated monitors and printers, and possibly hardware color calibration tools like colorimeters and spectrophotometers.
  • Color Management System (CMS): A system used to ensure consistent color representation across different devices like scanners, monitors, and printers.
  • Color Calibration: The process of adjusting and setting devices to ensure color consistency.
  • ICC Profile: A set of data that characterizes a color input or output device, essential for color management operations.

Online Resources

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “Real World Color Management” by Bruce Fraser, Chris Murphy, Fred Bunting.
  2. “Color Confidence: The Digital Photographer’s Guide to Color Management” by Tim Grey.
  3. “The Color Management Handbook: A Practical Guide” by Sherry London.

Fundamentals of WYSIWYP: Graphic Design Basics Quiz

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