Store and reapply separation variants

Separation variants in GMG ColorPlugin are a powerful tool for saving custom separations and reapplying them in future conversions, both in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. By using variants, you save time, reduce the risk of errors, and ensure high quality and consistency across workflows and editors.

Create separation variants

Whenever you perform a conversion with GMG ColorPlugin using customized separation values, the settings for each source ink are automatically saved as a variant in the output project's separation rule.

Shown above: an output project's separation rule in GMG OpenColor, with automatically created separation variants highlighted.

For any future conversions using the same output project, you can access and reapply the saved variants directly in GMG ColorPlugin—both in Photoshop and Illustrator.

Apply separation variants in GMG ColorPlugin

Instead of manually reentering custom values from previous conversions, simply apply the automatically saved variants as follows:

1. Click the three dots icon in the Variants column for the source ink to modify, in this demo Cyan.
   
2. Select the desired separation variant in the dialog that opens.
   
3. Click Ok to confirm.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each source ink's separation that you want to update.
5. Click Convert to apply your changes and perform the conversion.

Hands-on variant example

At the following link, you'll find a comprehensive, concrete example demonstrating how to optimize costs and printability using separation rules, make your image editing process more efficient and less prone to errors with the variants feature, and how to combine GMG ColorPlugin for Illustrator and Photoshop for seamless color conversion: Example: black generation in artwork with text, gradients, and embedded image