In a method or system for processing a color print image for digital printing at a predetermined printing apparatus, the print image is deconstructed into color separations according to characteristic color curves of the printing apparatus. The color separations are stored in a data unit as greyscale bitmap images and at least one of a color code and color values are associated with each color separation in the data unit. The print image encoded in the data unit is presented at a display device for monitoring or management before printout at the printing apparatus, the print image being presented at the display device by means of at least one of the color code and color values associated with the respective color separations such that the individual color separations are transparently superimposed.