Flash, PMS, CMYK Solutions
I have been researching a solution for a job that has required me to learn some stuff about Flash and CMYK. To set the stage, assume I am working for a fictional client who wants to let users design custom decals for their computers on the web. They can edit the text, the font, some minor effects, and the colors used in the decal — but in general the graphic templates for the decals are already set. Also, a few of these computer users are very particular about matching thier decal colors up with the colors of their computer case. These users want to be able to provide a PMS number for the color of their decal. Flash is the obvious choice for the decal design control for the web site, but I was not sure what limitations there would be around using Flash with PMS. Also, I was not sure if the solution would just require using Flash or if it would require the use of Flex as well.
I found an article on implementing Nike iD that was given in a JavaOne presentation. They do something similar to what I want to do where the user’s selections are passed back to the server and persisted. There was some commentary at the end how they suggested using Flex, but I did not see a lot of information on why. I was aware of a Flash / Javascript bridge, so I figured I could use JSON to send data back to the server if there was no easier way. Since my project is just in research phase at this point, I decided to move on.
ithout having any domain knowledge on the differences between RGP and CMYK, my first assumption was tha Flash would have no trouble supporting a PMS number defined by the user since I was certain Flash supported any RGB color. Flash does support RGB colors and there were a number of RGP color pickers components that I found while searching. What I found was that RGB does not necessary translate to CMYK and vice versa. This presented two issues for my solution 1) How would I let the user know why what they were seeing on their screen might be different than the PMS number they just entered? 2) How do I generate a PDF image to send to the printer using the right colors? (the printer expects a PDF using CMYK colors). I was not concerned about the first issue because it could be solved with good FAQs and help text in the application. I am still researching possible solutions for the 2 issue which I will post a follow up on.
Recommended Reading
