What it does
Color Library provides profiles for printing images with selected spot colours, including metallic, neon and pastel inks. It offers a free sample collection, licensed profiles and custom profile services for print production.
Open an 8-bit RGB, CMYK, Lab or grayscale image in Photoshop, use Convert to Profile in Multichannel mode, then save as Photoshop DCS 2.0. InDesign can place that file and export a PDF. For Risograph, Split Channels creates one grayscale file per ink.
Changing a channel’s preview colour does not recalculate its separation. Ink names must match across Photoshop and InDesign. Screen previews can differ substantially from overprinted inks, so Color Library recommends a physical proof on the intended paper. Its menu instructions are based on Adobe CC 2015.
Access and licensing
The free collection contains seven basic combinations, including Blue-Red-Yellow. These use generic colour names rather than standard Pantone or Risograph charts. Purchased profile links expire after 15 days. The standard licence covers one device, prohibits profile redistribution and excludes providing conversion services to others; multi-user licensing is available.
Custom profiles
The currently linked price sheet, dated January 2020, lists the following charges per custom profile:
| Ink colours | Published charge |
|---|---|
| 2 | CHF 400 |
| 3 | CHF 500 |
| 4 | CHF 600 |
| 5 | CHF 700 |
| 6 | CHF 800 |
Neon, Riso, metal and pastel colours add CHF 100 per colour. Profile editing is CHF 90 per hour. A request needs two to five high-resolution project images and the ink references; the service sets delivery time when the order is placed.
Strengths
- The workflow covers image separation, layout and PDF or separate-channel handoff.
- Free profiles include both two-ink and three-ink combinations.
Watch out for
- Conversion requires an 8-bit image in Photoshop.
- Spot-ink screen previews do not reliably predict the printed result.
- The standard profile licence restricts device use, redistribution and conversion services.
Best for
- Designers preparing images for a specific combination of printing inks.
Sources
- Color Library - About (Oct 28, 2026)
- Color Library - How to Use (Oct 28, 2026)
- Color Library - Terms and Conditions (Oct 28, 2026)
- Color Library - Services (Oct 28, 2026)
- Color Library: Custom Color Profile Pricing and Requirements (Oct 28, 2026)