Changelog up to Version 4
The new features of version 5 (2012) are described on a separate page.
Version 4.0 (January 2009)
New Design
We have decided to make a radical re-design with the Version 4. The user interface is a central toolbar which always is hovering in the foreground and originating from it the several windows are accessed.
50 new colour systems
Numerous colour systems are added amoung not only so exotic names like AL-JAZEERA from Saudi Arabien (which can be traced back to a software development for AL-JAZEERA) but also the second version of the ALSECCO systems, FAUST Color Mix (Praktiker), Thyssen-Krupp ReflectionsOne and other.
RGB table as a colour system
You have now the possibility to include RGB colour lists with all functions.
Colour harmony now also on CMYK base
The colour harmony window offer all harmony calculations in CMYK now. This is important for the pre-press!
Calculation of colour changes
The windows for the colour harmony now offers also the calculation of an unlimited number of colours between two colour tones, on CIEL*a*b* base or within a selected system.
Highly enhanced printed CMYK colour atlas, highly enhanced CMYK-data base
The new atlas is more clearly arranged. He passes the equally partitioned intervals the several percentage steps in CMYK. It was printed according to ISO 12647 on three types of paper (coated,uncoated,recycling/news print).
Consistentes result for CMYK > Farbe > CMYK
In the past we haven't admitted on thing not gladly: Calculations of the type CMYK-->colour-->CMYK didn't result in the original-CMYK. Reason: The CMYK-data base for calculcations of the type colour --> CMYK was extracted from the delivered atlas. The database for calculations CMYK --> Comparison colour was not extracted from the delivered atlas due to the fact that it had too much gaps for that. This is different now. The attached atlas (handinhandbuch cmyk) doesn't have any cavities, but it includes the complete CMYK-colour area and can be used for all CMYK specifications. A calculation of the type CMYK-->colour ->CMYK now results in the original-CMYK.
Next Colours: CMYK with and without black
Whereas grey components for production prints have to be printed for saving costs and reason of the stability of the colour including black (achromatic composition) it is offen desired for as natural colours as possible to print them without a fraction of black. The button „generation of black“ enables both alternatives.
Next Colours: now also comparative lists system> system
By using the button „Compare all colours“ you are able to generate complete comparision lists between colour systems. The result is written with the respective assesmennt of the compatibility to a text file.
Colour Range: Containment of partly areas within colour systems
With the new window colour area you now have the possibility to limit a specific part within the colour system due to the colour tone, brightness and saturation and to save it as new colour system.
3D Colour Space: Navigation through the 3D colour space
The three dimensional display enables a previousely unknown dimension of clarity, also in the case of large colour systems. by a 3D-navigation, effectively as „space traveller“ you can analyze the colour areas, choose colours, see symphonies, and show frontiers, deficits and advantages of colour systems.
Easy Matching: Colour matching of colour samples on the monitor
Using the Easy Matching window you can match colours on the monitor very efficiently. The window contains a lot of know-how about colour management, colour perceptions and human factors of software systems – due to all of this it does not even include operational controls!
Highly enhanced pdf Test files
Now the test files are available for all colour systems. They contain all systems of the respective system in a sRGB optimized way. It's new that the colours have been summarized in a clearly arranged way in standard size.
Pdf-colour atlas for the pastel scale
Additionally to the four PDF-files which are completely covering the RGB – and CMYK colour area we deliver further pdf-Data, which run through the pastel scale with small RGB-step intervals.
Version 3.0 (September 2006)
Harmony Functions
With the new harmony functions complementary contrasts, and brightness or saturation variations are calculated. "Colour development" shows the development of one colour into another.
Pipette
A small magnification window shows you the exact area of the display in which you are situated. Another window next to that shows the colour on which the red cusor can be found, or the preview of the interpolated colours when you select several pixels.
Colour Sample
The function „colour sample“ copies your selected colour as a bitmap onto the clipboard, with or without the colour name or colour values. This way you can copy the colour into all programs and work with it there, for example you could create a colour legend.
PDF files
You will find PDF files for all supported colour systems in the generally accepted sRGB colourspace on the cd rom in the „test files“ file. Print them out and use them as overview cards or calibration samples. These files by no means replace the original colour cards from the manufacturer, but rather supplement them in a meaningful way.
System info about all colour systems
From this window you can get all of the important information regarding the colour systems. Manufacturer, intended use, colour quantity and contact information.
Version 2.5 (June 2005)
During the first large revision the code basis was brought up to date with the current programming techniques, in other words simplified and unitised. This way the project is prepared for future expansions and uptates.
In detail:
- No more application of external ocx – and dll files!
- Development for Macintosh: identical programming basis for Mac and Windows as well as all languages
- RGB/Lab-conversion using formulas (real colour management, previously: tabulations)
- Colour systems are now in binary code (new file format: *.bcs)
Effects:
- Speed acceleration of about factor 5!
- Every modification is immediatly available to Windows as well as Macintosh (OSX also)
- Much less of the memory capacity is utilised by the full version (110 MB? 7 MB) mainly due to the omission of the RGB/Lab tables
- The demo version is no longer limited in its RGB – exactitude
- A strong increase of the data security: The windows system directory remains untouched, dlls/ocx – files will not be changed
More new Functions:
- "Calibration" enables the adaptation of the RGB/Lab conversion according to display types (like Photoshop)
- "Colour system – manager" enables the work with colour systems and individual colour values
- Text files with CIELAB colour values (e.g. measured values) can be converted into binary *.bcs files as further colour components (including entire folders or data media)
- Every RGB/CMYK colour component can be provided with information
- Detailed report was graphically optimised
- new extensive help system