So each device might interpret the numbers in an image file differently and if we don't take control each device is likely to produce differing colour and tone from that intended. Added to this is the problem of mixing devices from different manufacturers or production lines. No matter how carefully devices such as display screens and printers are manufactured, there are inevitable small variations, even from the same production line. Accurate description of device gamut is one very important function of an ICC profile.

limitations to the range of colour and tone which any specific digital device can handle capture, display or reproduce, this range is known as a device's 'effective gamut'. In the chain of capture or scan > view > edit > proof > reproduce, there may be restrictions due to equipment capability, i.e. How profiles work - some in depth explanation Simply put - a good ICC profile provides an accurate description of the characteristics of a digital device or working colour space. Here you'll find information on what ICC profiles are, descriptions of the basic types, an explanation of why they are important to you and info about how they are made and used.