Desktop color separation

Desktop Color Separation (DCS) is a file format for storing color images. Since it is an extension of the EPS format, the term EPS-5 is sometimes used instead of the DCS format. The DCS format can only be created from CMYK images. The color channels are saved separately when saving. A so-called master file is created which contains the references to the color data and z. B. Contains paths and the like, as well as the screen display. Raster settings and a printing characteristic can also be saved . When saving, the color separation is attached to the file name as a file attachment (Name.C, Name.M etc.).

The big advantage is the output speed. Since the individual color files are sent to the output device, the entire image is not run through for each color separation. A disadvantage is that when printing is not separated, only the contained, possibly coarse-pixelated, screen preview is output.

DCS 2 has been expanded to include the option of securing spot colors.