# Measuring instruments Each of these measuring instruments have a specific role, in order to differentiate them, we will give you a brief description.
Spectrophotometer | Colorimeter |
[](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-11/image-1636571694636.png) | [](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-11/image-1636571898708.png) |
Spectrodensitometer | Densitometer |
[](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-11/image-1636571353949.png) | [](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-11/image-1636571598734.png) |
Automatic spectrophotometer | Sphere spectrophotometer |
[](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-10/image-1634042922874.png) | [](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-10/image-1634042420445.png) |
XRite I1 Pro | Konica Minolta Myiro |
[](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-11/image-1636571694636.png) | [](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-11/image-1636640157926.png) |
**Find out more about [the different spectrophotometers and how they work](https://www.xrite.com/fr-fr/learning-color-education/other-resources/what-is-a-spectrophotometer#:~:text=Spectrophotom%C3%A8tre%20le%20plus%20fr%C3%A9quemment%20utilis%C3%A9,%C5%93il%20humain%20per%C3%A7oit%20la%20couleur. "The different spectrophotometers and their operation")**
#### How a spectrophotometer works [](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-11/image-1636581395846.png) --- #### XRite eXact type spectrodensitometers [](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-11/image-1636571353949.png) This instrument is generally used in offset printing, flexography, gravure printing workshops, etc. It is used to: - Measure densities, fattening. - Measure color samples - Carry out color research - Check the whiteness of a paper - Compare colors, densities - etc ... It is an autonomous spectrophotometer with a screen and on-board software. This spectrophotometer can also be connected to software to extend its possibilities. --- #### Automatic spectrophotometers [](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-10/image-1634042922874.png) These spectrophotometers are generally used to calibrate printers. They require software to drive them. --- #### Sphere spectrophotometer [](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-10/image-1634042420445.png) These spectrophotometers make it possible to measure complicated materials such as the sheet metal of cars, fabrics or reflective materials. It makes it possible to dissociate the specular relection (shiny surface) and the diffuse reflection (rough surface) It is an autonomous spectrophotometer with a screen and an on-board software. This spectrophotometer can also be connected to software to extend its possibilities. [](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-11/image-1636643771753.png) --- #### Colorimeter or calibration probe [](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-11/image-1636571898708.png) This colorimeter is used to calibrate screens and video projectors only. --- #### Densitometer [](https://wiki.coraye.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-11/image-1636571598734.png) Densitometers are workshop instruments that only measure densities, in other words, the opacity of an ink or a medium. It does not provide a color value like spectrophotometers or spectrodensitometers do. Densitometers have been replaced by manufacturers by spectrodensitometers.For more information, see the chapter: [Displaying the density](https://wiki.coraye.com/books/manuel-coraye-fr/page/afficher-la-densite "Show density")