◆ Illustrator · color

Assemble Material Samples

Build a material sample board that reproduces the physical swatches and lists supplier codes: sample colours from phot…

2heights
2tasks
1roles do it
See the prompt↓More color workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Build a material sample board that reproduces the physical swatches and lists supplier codes:…+
Build a material sample board that reproduces the physical swatches and lists supplier codes: sample colours from photos, assemble swatches in a 2-column grid, include supplier name and SKU beneath each swatch, and export as a single-page PDF for procurement on Friday.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Reduce ordering friction for the procurement lead: include photographed physical swatch pieces…+
Reduce ordering friction for the procurement lead: include photographed physical swatch pieces next to the sampled colour, note Delta or batch variations where known, place supplier contact and lead times beside each swatch, and mark any colours that need on-site approval before ordering.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Color Proofing

Color Proofing helps you preview how your artwork's colors will appear on different output devices or in various print conditions.

  1. 1

    Open your design in Adobe Illustrator.

  2. 2

    Choose File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color if your document is in RGB mode.

    NoteCMYK mode is often preferred for print jobs.

  3. 3

    Choose View > Proof Setup > Customize.

  4. 4

    From the Device to Simulate menu, choose the ICC profile provided for your output.

    NoteAn ICC profile is essential for accurate color proofing.

  5. 5

    Select other proofing options as needed, such as Preserve CMYK Numbers or Simulate Paper Color.

  6. 6

    Click OK to apply the proof setup.

  7. 7

    Choose View > Proof Colors to toggle the proofing preview on or off.

    Best practiceRegularly toggling Proof Colors helps you compare the original and proofed appearance.

  8. 8

    Save your file by choosing File > Save or Save As.

To quickly switch between different proof setups, use the presets under View > Proof Setup.

Color proofing settings are typically interactive viewing modes and not directly exposed for automation via scripting or API in Illustrator.

Glossary

words on this page
Preserve CMYK NumbersAn option that maintains the exact CMYK color values when converting or displaying artwork.ExampleWhen converting a file, this option ensures the printer receives the exact color values you specified.
Simulate Paper ColorA proofing option that displays how your artwork will look on a chosen paper color.ExampleYou enable Simulate Paper Color to see how your white text will look on a cream-colored background.
Document Color ModeSets the primary color model for the entire document, such as RGB for screens or CMYK for print.ExampleThe document color mode is set to RGB because the final design will only be viewed on computer screens.
Device to SimulateA setting that allows you to preview how your artwork will appear on a specific output device.ExampleYou set the device to simulate an iPhone screen to see how your app icon will look.
Proof ColorsA viewing mode that shows how your artwork will appear when printed or displayed on a specific device.ExampleYou activate Proof Colors to see how your design will look on a newsprint press before printing.

The real tasks

1 of them
Assemble a material sample board that matches physical swatches and lists supplier codes for ordering.

Who does this

1 roles
Interior Designer

Questions people ask

honest answers

Because you rarely think 'I want the redaction tool'. You think 'I have to share this without leaking the client's details'. Start from the need, and the feature finds you.

Real. Every job here was drawn from what people in real roles were actually seen doing in Illustrator — not a feature checklist.

No. Each page gives you a ready prompt you can paste into an AI assistant, plus the plain steps to do it yourself. Start with either — the goal is the finished job, not the tool.