What is the target mode?

The Target Mode describes how the measured or defined target values within a characterization or spot color database will be handled in relation to the print substrate or custom changes. It can be defined within a project (applying the mode only to the inks used within the project) or directly within a characterization or spot color database which can be used across several projects.

Absolute: This mode is the standard mode for most applications. It preserves the target full tone (100%) exactly for the target gamut, while the media relative mode adjusts colors to fit the target gamut with a white point shift. 

Media Relative: The target color will be recalculated to simulate the print results on the print medium used in the project. The Density value can still be changed, to reflect last minute changes during the final printing process.

Custom: You can enter a custom Lab or Density value as the target value for the selected color.

How to change the target mode 

• To change the target mode for project inks, click the Color Corrections button on the Tools & Actions panel, select the color and change the mode (see screenshot above).
• To change the target mode for colors in a spot color library, click the gearwheel button:

Select the color and click the Target Mode button to select another mode from the list.