1. A method of stipulating values for use in the control of a printing machine which produces multicolor printed copies, comprising the steps of: assigning a reflectance desired value to at least one image element from an original copy having a given area coverage of individual colors to be used in the production of the multicolor printed copies comprising the further steps of stipulating a desired color locus to be achieved in the multicolor printed copies and, from the proportions of the printing area of the individual colors within the image element, determining a desired color spectrum by varying the spectra of the individual colors in such a way that the desired color spectrum, given calorimetric assessment, essentially yields the stipulated, desired color locus; using the reflectance desired value during the production of the multicolor printed copies in conjunction with a reflectance actual value to perform a derivation of the adjustment commands which control ink feed in the printing machine so that the multicolor printed copies are in essential calorimetric agreement with the original copy.