Tips for analyzing the Swatch Measurement Tab:
Look for "Plateaus"
A "plateaus" in the curves can be seen either when light and dark ink levels mix or if the original ink restriction value maxes out before reaching 100%. If you see this behavior in the middle of the curve, go back and use Transition Controls. If you see this behavior at the upper edge of the curve, go back to Ink Restrictions and lower you dark ink value.
Look for "Hooks"
A "hook" in the curve is usually seen in the upper 90-100%. It means that your Ink Restriction is set too high. If you see this behavior at the upper edge of the curve, go back to Ink Restrictions and lower you dark ink value.
Look for "Spikes"
A "spike" in the curve is usually a mis-read where the device zeros-out so no data is recorded for a given percentage. If the curve displays several spikes it could be that your media is very pourous and the light that is reflected into the color sampling device is distorted. If this is the case, you can print a calibration swatch with fewer number of patches to help smooth out the curve. Go back to the Calibration - Linearization step and reprint a new calibration swatch. When you click > Print remember to click > Setup > Options and change the number of swatches to 24 or as low as 19 before clicking > Print Swatch.
Curves with a "Sea Gull" shape
This issues displayed in the swatch measurement curves is indicative of the "Light" ink levels having a very light density scale in relationship to the "Dark" ink level.
Transition controls are meant to adjust for this and using a setting of 8-10 is going to be the best method for correction. You can also try increasing the light ink percentage to equal that of the dark (as long as there isn't' any bleeding issues) or lowering the dark ink levels while also keeping the 100% target at an acceptable percentage. Even if the curves still display the "sea gull" shape, the nature of the ink chemistry is to blame.
There is nothing in the software that can compensate for the behavior, but the linearization tab should do most of the work so the affects aren't seen on paper.
