FAQ: “… Was wondering – do you know of a web site or application where if CIELAB values were entered, the corresponding color would be displayed? Can I also convert from one color scale to another?”
Quantification of color is defined by a colorimetric color scale expressed by 3 numbers such as L* (lightness); a* (redness/greenness), b* (blueness/yellowness). If you have the color expressed with any colorimetric scale, you can switch to any other 3 number scale within the same illuminant/observer combination i.e. D65/10° or C/2°.If you want to change from a color scale like CIE L*, a*, b* D65/10° to CIE Y, x, y D65/2°, then you need to have the original measured spectral data for the color. HunterLab’s EasyMatch QC software allows for hand entry of color and spectral data, display of multiple color scales and a rendering of the color in the Color Rendering View.
There are other color metric conversion options in third-party software or at some internet sites. However, please be aware that HunterLab does not control or have any influence with these third-party options. The only ColorCalculator that HunterLab controls and validates is the one in HunterLab software. The following options must be verified by the user.
Another color conversion option is a full-featured graphics program such as Adobe Photoshop which can be used create a rendered color to measured color values. In Adobe Photoshop, select File/New and create an image space with the mode set to L, a, b. Then select the background color and enter the L*, a*, b* values in the Color Picker for the measured color.
The EasyRGB web site has a color calculator for multiple color scale conversions and visual display of color values. Please note one concern. Most current monitors render screen colors well, and can be further optimized through screen calibration. However, a flat screen display of measured color values on a screen remains a visual approximation of the material color. It does not have the same appearance characteristics as the actual product. While the general color formulas appear to be correct, HunterLab does not validate the EasyRGB calculator. It was intended to allow users to visualize a color from entered color values.
Mr. Philips has spent the last 30 years in product development and management, technical sales, marketing, and business development in several industries. Today, he is the global market development manager for HunterLab, focused on understanding customer needs, providing appropriate solutions and education, and helping to solve customer color challenges across these industries and cultures.