Creating a Custom Control Strip
When none of the standard ChromaChecker strips fits your press form or workflow, build a custom strip using the Capture Inspector strip editor. You define the patches, layout, and scanning template.
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Log in to the ChromaChecker web interface and navigate to Capture Inspector. Click Add Control Strip.
- Define the patches by selecting from available patch types (see below).
- Organise the layout using the reorder, delete, rotate, and mirror tools.
- Save the control strip with a descriptive name in the relevant subdirectory.
- Download the scanning template and use it in CC Capture to measure the strip.
Available Patch Types
Upload (CGATS)
Import an existing CGATS patch set from another system
Add Library
Add patches from your Color Inspector library
Add Substrate
Include substrate white point measurement patch
Add CMYK / nCLR
Standard CMYK or extended gamut process patches
Add Spot (Placeholder)
Named color placeholders — resolved at scan time
Add RGB / L*a*b*
Device-independent color references
Add DUD
Do Not Measure — space filler or non-measured patch
Production Considerations
- Placeholders — use named color placeholders to create a universal strip that works across multiple jobs; the actual spot color reference is resolved at measurement time
- Contrast optimisation — place patches with high contrast against each other to aid instrument auto-recognition
- Separators — add separator patches between logical groups to improve scanning accuracy with handheld instruments
- Test prints — always verify the strip with a test print before production
- Instrument compatibility — ensure the strip width and patch size are compatible with your measurement instrument’s aperture
