To generate an ICC scanner profile, you need a scanner target and appropriate software. For film scanners, the target is a calibrated color slide – an IT8 target. The scanner turns the color chart into a normal scan file. The profiling software compares the scanned color values with the nominal values from a reference file and calculates the profile. Scanning software, which can use ICC profiles, can create scans with high color fidelity.
The full version of SilverFast Ai from LaserSoft Imaging includes an IT8 calibration slide. This is a convenient solution, that VueScan can not match. But of course SilverFast is not exactly what you would call a cheap software. Generating a profile is conveniently integrated into the software and only takes a few mouse clicks.
First, insert the slide into the scanner and generate a preview. Next, draw a selection frame. This must be placed precisely or else the measurements will not be accurate. If the mask position is off, the program will display a warning. Even a small misalignment can match color patches with the wrong reference values and thereby corrupt the profile. If a measuring field overlaps with more than one color patch, a faulty profile will be generated. Small overlaps may not be noticed automatically by the program.
After measurements are compared with reference data, a profile is generated and saved in Windows XP or Windows Vista under WINNT system32spooldriverscolor.
