The color in a workflow is recorded in different places, and retained and processed in diverse color systems. These colors can be interpreted differently by the periphery equipment, their drivers or the operating systems of the computers they are connected to. The spectrum extends from scanners and cameras with an RGB system, for example, to offset, bubble-jet, laser or intaglio printing with CMYK, up to six-color systems and display periphery equipment such as CRT or LCD monitors or video beamers also in RGB. Subtractive as well as additive color mixture is utilized.

The color management system's color calculator takes care of the harmonization of the systems and color spaces. It transfers the color data model of a scan or digital image by means of the input peripheral equipment profile to the PCS (Profile Connection Space) and from there transfers it via the output peripheral equipment profile, as depicted in the diagram on the left.

Current programs facilitate the utilization of monitors in a workflow as soft examination equipment, which brings advantages in both time and budget. For this, it is absolutely necessary for a maximum number of colors and gradations to be reproduced. EIZO ColorEdge LCD monitors offer a large 10-bit-color Look-up Table (LUT) for this purpose, from which the colors for a precisely calibrated, differentiated and color-authentic illustration can be derived. See for yourself in the on-line profile comparison how many colors are hidden away in the equipment.