EFI released ColorProof XF a few weeks ago. We tested this client/server proofing solution. We found ColorProof XF to be a total solution for proofing and print workflows with little or no competition in the area of feature-richness.

ColorProof XF comes in various versions, depending on the printers you want to use with it. We received the “M” version. M stands for medium-size. There are other versions that manage bigger paper-size printer/proofers. The ColorProof XF box contains two CD-ROMs, a paper sample pack, and a USB dongle. ColorProof XF is a client/server solution. There are therefore two installs: one for the server, which requires the dongle, and one for the client, which doesn’t.

The client is available for Mac OS X 10.2.1 and later. The server is only available on Windows 2000, 2003, or XP, but if you want to work with Mac clients, you’re stuck with Windows 2000 or 2003. The Mac client uses a PPD and AppleTalk virtual printer driver to print/proof jobs.

On the server side, ColorProof XF delivers workflow management to the administrator, colour management, optional one bit screen checking, colour profile editing and printer linearization. Starting with the workflow management module, ColorProof XF offers the administrator the benefit of setting up proofing/printing workflows via an easy to use GUI, where workflow elements are visually interconnected.

The administrator can dedicate printers to specific users and limit the use of specific printers to specific workflows. The workflow module also enables administrators to immediately switch printers, even in the middle of an ongoing job. If a printer jams or runs into trouble, this allows for printing jobs to go on uninterrupted, because other printers in the workflow can be set to take over from the one which fails.

ColorProof XF’s interface is of a simplicity you would expect only from Mac applications. One window gives an overview of the printing jobs at hand, complete with “live” preview of the image or page being printed. Jobs are represented by icons in a column and are sorted according to status, workflow and printer.

The workflow designer allows administrators to design their workflow using a click and drag procedure. Workflows by itself are represented by textblocks that are connected with each other by lines. Offline workflows are clearly visible. Workflows consist of users, printers and tasks.

Workflows can be fully automated, semi-automatic or manually. The latter two options give greater control over the job before it starts.

Colour management

ColorProof XF gives total control over colour management. For example, there is a tab in the Property Inspector that allows you to compare the delta E settings made in Workflow Designer for the Color Verifier module with measured readings. The program will tell you whether the results lie within the defined tolerances.

Another colour management feature or module is the Lintool/Color Manager. LinTool is a standard module of ColorProof XF that allows you to linearize the printer to ensure consistent colour-accurate results from the inkjet printer all the time. Linearization is also known as calibration on a lower level. However, in ColorProof XF linearization is a per-paper type and even per-paper batch operation if you want it.