Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Perforating • Die Cutting • Lamination

Color Bar

Term from Printing Services industry explained for recruiters

A Color Bar is a standard tool used in professional printing to ensure print quality and color accuracy. It's a strip of different colored squares and patterns that appears on the edge of a test print or proof. Think of it like a ruler that printers use to make sure all colors are showing up correctly and consistently. When someone mentions Color Bar experience on their resume, they're saying they know how to check and maintain print quality using these testing tools. You might also see it written as "color control strip" or "color control bar."

Examples in Resumes

Monitored Color Bar accuracy for quality control in high-volume print jobs

Implemented Color Control Strip standards across multiple printing projects

Trained junior staff in using Color Bar and Color Control Bar systems for quality assurance

Typical job title: "Print Production Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Print Production Manager Prepress Technician Print Quality Controller Print Operations Manager Digital Print Specialist Press Operator Print Quality Specialist

Where to Find Print Production Specialists

Professional Associations

• Printing Industries of America
• SGIA - Specialty Graphic Imaging Association
• Idealliance

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a color quality control system for a large print facility?

Expected Answer: Should discuss establishing standard procedures, training staff, choosing appropriate color measurement tools, and creating documentation systems for quality tracking.

Q: What steps would you take if you notice color inconsistencies across multiple print runs?

Expected Answer: Should explain troubleshooting process, including checking color bars, calibrating equipment, reviewing paper stock and ink consistency, and implementing corrective measures.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key elements you look for when checking a color bar?

Expected Answer: Should mention density patches, dot gain, registration marks, and grayscale balance, explaining why each is important in simple terms.

Q: How do you maintain color consistency across different print jobs?

Expected Answer: Should discuss regular calibration, proper color bar usage, maintaining standard lighting conditions, and regular equipment maintenance.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a color bar and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a quality control tool used to check color accuracy and consistency in printing, with basic understanding of how to read one.

Q: How do you know if a color bar shows acceptable print quality?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of checking color density, alignment, and obvious color problems using the color bar as a reference.