Black Point Compensation in AVA applies an offset to the black point of an image profile so it lines up with your output profile. This can help you get more tonal movement in images, particularly in dark areas so you maintain details in shadows.

AVA can use BPC when displaying images and when separating through a profile. Any functions in AVA using an embedded ICC profile can use BPC.

To separate using BPC

Separating through a profile applies the current profile settings (rendering intent and BPC). So make sure you are using a profile with the correct settings in order to obtain an accurate separation. 

1. To set or change profile settings, load the ICC profile on to a CMYK layer. Set the correct settings by holding down the control key and clicking on the profile icon in the Layers Palette.
2. Save the profile. You can then use the profile to separate other designs.
3. Remove the profile from the CMYK layer.
4. Separate your designs using one of the many separation techniques such as 'With Profile...', found in the Separate Menu.

Profiles with BPC will work with the Profile Selector separation method but the delta-E differences generated will not provide an accurate way of judging the best profile when used as a target profile. This is because BPC deliberately distorts the colours in the image, increasing the delta-E differences, whereas the profile selector looks for the closest match. The same reasons apply to the Compare function. 

Recommended settings for: 

• Scanned RGB Image - use Relative Colorimetric intent with Black Point Compensation 
• Separating to CMYK - use Relative Colorimetric without BPC, unless this gives bad results in which case try BPC for the separation. Always view the CMYK image without BPC, otherwise you can get a very unrealistic representation of what the final print will look like 
• Viewing CMYK - use BPC off and use Relative or Absolute Colorimetric rendering intent