Why the Color Rendering Index matters

Good design needs the right lighting. A high Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 90 or higher more accurately renders color, making it easier to match print elements to the colors a designer originally specs and sees on their screen.

This month, we're shifting our operations to a new production space, and one of the features we're most proud of is the lighting. Our lights have the high CRI needed for accurate printing. Their overhead position will allow even lighting across the print and color check areas, and we can even adjust their color temperature without any loss in CRI.

While you might not be able to install new fixtures in your own spaces, there are some adjustments you can make to improve your lighting for better color control.

• Natural daylight is the "gold standard" for color accuracy, so you can always confirm your color design choices in areas with ample natural light.

• If that's not an option, pay particular attention to the color temperature of your bulbs. You can now find LED bulbs with clearly labeled color temperatures. Those rated at 2700-3000k are warmer and will add a yellow cast to any materials you're viewing. At the other end of the scale is 6000k, which yields a blue cast. Try to stay in the sweet spots between 3500-5000k, always looking for any CRI numbers listed to stay above that 90 mark.

• Even florescent bulbs, the bane of many offices because of their cold, blue illumination, are now available in lower color temperatures with a high CRI. It could be a simple upgrade that not only improves your color checks, but the office setting overall.

We've got some other features in our new production area that we look forward to sharing, so keep an eye out for future posts about our choices and overall workplace design. Until then, go check those bulbs...it's an easy way to see your own space in a whole new light!