SIST ISO 12647-7:2017

Graphic technology - Process control for the production of halftone colour separations, proof and production prints - Part 7: Proofing processes working directly from digital data

ISO 12647-7:2016 specifies requirements for systems that are used to produce hard-copy digital proof prints intended to simulate a printing condition defined by a set of characterization data. Recommendations are provided with regard to appropriate test methods associated with these requirements.

Technologie graphique - Contrôle des processus de confection de sélections couleurs tramées, d'épreuves et de tirages - Partie 7: Processus d'épreuve travaillant directement à partir de données numériques

Grafična tehnologija - Vodenje procesa izdelave rastriranih barvnih izvlečkov, preskusnih in proizvodnih odtisov - 7. del: Neposredni preskusni procesi z digitalnimi podatki

Ta dokument določa zahteve za sisteme, ki se uporabljajo za proizvodnjo papirnatih digitalnih preskusnih odtisov, namenjenih za simuliranje pogojev tiskanja, ki jih določa nabor podatkov karakterizacije. Podana so priporočila glede ustreznih preskusnih metod, povezanih s temi zahtevami.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 27-Mar-2017
• ICS: 37.100.01 - Graphic technology in general
• Technical Committee: GRT - Graphical technology
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 15-Mar-2017
• Due Date: 20-May-2017
• Completion Date: 28-Mar-2017
• Ref Project: ISO 12647-7:2016 - Graphic technology - Process control for the production of halftone colour separations, proof and production prints - Part 7: Proofing processes working directly from digital data

Relations

• Replaces: SIST ISO 12647-7:2014 - Graphic technology - Process control for the production of half-tone colour separations, proof and production prints - Part 7: Proofing processes working directly from digital data
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017

Overview

ISO 12647-7:2016 - part of the ISO 12647 series on graphic technology - defines requirements and test methods for hard‑copy digital proof prints that simulate a specified printing condition. Focused on proofing processes working directly from digital data, the standard specifies aim values and tolerances for colour, screening and tone reproduction based on a characterization data set (typically an ICC profile). It supports certification of contract proofs, proofing systems and field proofs to ensure consistent colour prediction between proof and production prints.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Colour fidelity and measurement
  • Defines colour difference measurement practices and prefers spectrocolorimetry over densitometry where appropriate.
  • Specifies aim values/tolerances for solid colours, midtones and gamut behaviour.
• Data and screening parameters
  • Requirements for data delivery, screen frequency, screen angle, dot shape and halftone screening of proofs.
• Proof print characteristics
  • Substrate colour and gloss considerations, colouration of printed parts, tone value reproduction limits, vignettes, image resolving power and register.
  • Permanence, repeatability and colourant rub resistance tests for proof reliability.
  • Ink set gloss and other visual attributes that affect perceived match to production prints.
• Test methods and viewing
  • Prescribes viewing conditions, control strips, additional test objects (resolution, uniformity), colour and gloss measurement protocols, and visual appraisal procedures for proof–press–print matches.
• Certification and annexes
  • Annex A summarizes technical requirements for conformity (Certified Proof Creation, Certified Proofing System, Certified Field Proof).
  • Annexes include rub resistance testing, outer‑gamut patches and guidance for visual appraisal and organizational certification routines.

Practical applications and users

ISO 12647-7:2016 is used to:

• Produce and certify contract digital proofs that reliably predict final production printing results.
• Validate proofing systems (hardware + software) for commercial prepress and proofing vendors.
• Establish in‑house proofing workflows in print shops, publishers and design studios to reduce colour disputes.
• Guide color management engineers and prepress specialists when creating ICC profiles or characterization data sets.

Typical users:

• Prepress technicians, proofing vendors, print service providers, colour management specialists, ad agencies and publishers.

Related standards

• ISO 12647-1 (general principles for printing process control)
• ISO 12647 series (other parts for process printing)
• ISO 12647-8 (validation prints)
• ISO 13655 (spectral measurement)
• ISO 3664 (viewing conditions)
• ISO 12639 / ISO 12640-1 / ISO 12642-2 / ISO 15397 (prepress data and paper properties)

ISO 12647-7:2016 helps ensure consistent, measurable proofing and supports reliable colour communication across the digital-to-print workflow.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2017
1DGRPHãþD
SIST ISO 12647-7:2014
*UDILþQDWHKQRORJLMD9RGHQMHSURFHVDL]GHODYHUDVWULUDQLKEDUYQLKL]YOHþNRY
SUHVNXVQLKLQSURL]YRGQLKRGWLVRYGHO1HSRVUHGQLSUHVNXVQLSURFHVL]
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Graphic technology - Process control for the production of halftone colour separations,
proof and production prints - Part 7: Proofing processes working directly from digital data
Technologie graphique - Contrôle des processus de confection de sélections couleurs
tramées, d'épreuves et de tirages - Partie 7: Processus d'épreuve travaillant directement
à partir de données numériques
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 12647-7:2016
ICS:
37.100.01 *UDILþQDWHKQRORJLMDQD Graphic technology in
VSORãQR general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12647-7
Third edition
2016-11-15
Graphic technology — Process control
for the production of halftone colour
separations, proof and production
prints —
Part 7:
Proofing processes working directly
from digital data
Technologie graphique — Contrôle des processus de confection de
sélections couleurs tramées, d’épreuves et de tirages —
Partie 7: Processus d’épreuve travaillant directement à partir de
données numériques
Reference number
©
ISO 2016
© ISO 2016, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements . 3
4.1 Colour difference measurements . 3
4.2 Data files, simulation of screens. 3
4.2.1 Data delivery . 3
4.2.2 Screen frequency . 3
4.2.3 Screen angle . 3
4.2.4 Dot shape . 3
4.2.5 Halftone proofs screening . 3
4.3 Proof print . 3
4.3.1 General. 3
4.3.2 Proofing substrate colour and gloss . 4
4.3.3 Colouration of printed parts . 4
4.3.4 Gamut . 5
4.3.5 Permanence of proofing substrate and printed parts . 5
4.3.6 Repeatability of proof printing . 6
4.3.7 Colourant rub resistance . 6
4.3.8 Ink set gloss . 7
4.3.9 Tone value reproduction limits . 7
4.3.10 Reproduction of vignettes . 7
4.3.11 Image register and resolving power . 7
4.3.12 Margin information . 7
5 Test methods . 8
5.1 Viewing conditions . 8
5.2 Control strip . 8
5.3 Additional test objects . 9
5.3.1 Resolution . 9
5.3.2 Primary and secondary process colours . 9
5.3.3 Resolving power . 9
5.3.4 Uniformity . 9
5.4 Colour measurement . 9
5.5 Measurement of gloss .10
5.6 Visual appraisal of proof-press-print matches .10
Annex A (normative) Technical requirements for proofing conformity .11
Annex B (normative) Rub resistance of the proof colourant .15
Annex C (normative) Outer gamut patches.18
Annex D (informative) Organizational certification routines for visual appraisal of proof-
print press-print matches .21
Bibliography .23
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity assessment,
as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 130, Graphic technology.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 12647-7:2013), which has been
technically revised with the following changes:
— a number of anomalies identified by industry experts have been addressed;
— substrate selection and measurement specification has been modified to reflect industry practice;
— approximately equivalent CIEDE2000 colour difference values have been added;
— basic support for spot inks has been added;
— wording has been updated to reflect current terminology and industry thinking.
A list of all parts in the ISO 12647 series can be found on the ISO website.
iv © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Introduction
ISO 12647-1 serves to provide definitions, the general principles, the general order, the material to be
covered in ISO 12647-2 to ISO 12647-8, the definition of the data, the measurement conditions, and the
reporting style.
This document relates to the subject of digital proofing and establishes proofing requirements for the
most demanding part of the printing and publishing market.
This document specifies aim values (or sets of aim values) and tolerances for the primary parameters
specified in ISO 12647-1 for digital proof printing. Primary parameters that define a printing condition
include screening parameters (where applicable), the colours of the solids, the colour of the print
substrate, colours of intermediate tint values and the tone curve. This document also specifies test
methods for those properties of digital proof prints and their substrates that are considered relevant
for stable and reliable proofing conditions, and thus for a certification procedure.
The graphic technology industry makes extensive use of proofing to predict the rendering of digital data
files by a wide variety of high-definition, high-quality off-press printing processes and applications.
Each prediction is based on a characterization data set that defines a particular printing condition.
Typically, the specified printing condition is defined through an International Color Consortium (ICC)
profile or the associated characterization data set, both of which relate source data and colorimetric
values of the printed colour. Such data may be derived from printing conditions conforming to the
pertinent process standard of the ISO 12647 series by industry trade groups or individuals.
The purpose of a proof print is to simulate the visual characteristics of the finished production print
product as closely as possible. In order to visually match a particular printing condition, proofing
processes require a set of parameters to be specified that are not necessarily identical to those put
forward in ISO 12647-1 or another part of ISO 12647. This is caused by differences in colourant spectra
or phenomena such as gloss, light scatter (within the print substrate or the colourant), and transparency.
In such cases, it is also found that spectrocolorimetry takes precedence over densitometry.
Another problem area is the matching of a double-sided production print on a lightweight printing
substrate, such as often used in heat-set web and publication gravure printing, to a digital proof on
a nearly opaque substrate. If the proof was produced using a colour management profile based on
measurements with white backing, there will be an unavoidable visual and measurable difference
between the proof on the one hand and the production print placed on black on the other hand. A
black backing is required for double-sided production printing on non-opaque prints, as specified
in the pertinent parts of ISO 12647. The possible occurrence of such differences needs to be well
communicated, in advance, to all parties concerned.
Historically, there has been no consistency in the way that either the characterization data or the
criteria and limits for a satisfactory match have been provided. This has led to significant redundancy
and inconsistencies in the evaluation of proofing systems for different, but similar, applications, and a
cost and time burden on the industry. This document therefore attempts to provide guidance in this
area by providing specifications and associated testing procedures.
Annex A summarizes the requirements for the digital proof prints listed in the main body of this
document; these are weighted with respect to their relevance in three typical situations:
— requirements with which a proof print, made for a particular printing condition, must comply if it
is to be referenced in a contract between the printer and the provider of the digital data (Certified
Proof Creation);
— requirements with which a vendor’s proofing system, comprising hardware and software, must
comply if it is to be considered capable of reliably producing digital contract proofs for a particular
printing condition (Certified Proofing System);
— requirements with which a proof print made for a particular printing condition must comply when
tested in the field using only a control wedge (Certified Field Proof).
ISO 12647-8 defines requirements for validation prints. Because data are exchanged electronically
and visualizations of those data are produced at multiple sites, there is a market need for defined
requirements for validation prints to promote a degree of consistency throughout the workflow.
Validation prints are intended to be used at early stages of the print production workflow, particularly
at the document design stage and have less stringent requirements, particularly on colour fidelity, to
allow their production on less elaborate and less costly devices than are required for contract proofs.
Validation prints are not intended to replace “contract proofs” as specified in this document for
predicting colour on production printing devices. It is expected that the modifications of the
requirements for both contract proofs and validation prints, along with the requirements for contract
proofs, will continue in the future as industry requirements and imaging technologies develop.
vi © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12647-7:2016(E)
Graphic technology — Process control for the production
of halftone colour separations, proof and production
prints —
Part 7:
Proofing processes working directly from digital data
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for systems that are used to produce hard-copy digital
proof prints intended to simulate a printing condition defined by a set of characterization data.
Recommendations are provided with regard to appropriate test methods associated with these
requirements.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 187, Paper, board and pulps — Standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing and procedure for
monitoring the atmosphere and conditioning of samples
ISO 2813, Paints and varnishes — Determination of gloss value at 20°, 60° and 85°
ISO 3664, Graphic technology and photography — Viewing conditions
ISO 8254-1, Paper and board — Measurement of specular gloss — Part 1: 75° gloss with a converging beam,
TAPPI method
ISO 12040, Graphic technology — Prints and printing inks — Assessment of light fastness using filtered
xenon arc light
ISO 12639, Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — Tag image file format for image
technology (TIFF/IT)
ISO 12640-1, Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — Part 1: CMYK standard colour image
data (CMYK/SCID)
ISO 12642-2, Graphic technology — Input data for characterization of 4-colour process printing — Part 2:
Expanded data set
ISO 13655, Graphic technology — Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation for graphic
arts images
ISO 15397:2014, Graphic technology — Communication of graphic paper properties
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 12647-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
chromatic primaries
cyan, magenta and yellow process inks
3.2
CIELAB chromaticness difference
ΔC
h
difference between two colours of approximately the same lightness projected onto a constant lightness
plane in the CIELAB colour space
2 2
Note 1 to entry: This is calculated as ΔCa=−()CIECIEab+−()CIECIEb .
h ) 12 12
3.3
digital proof
soft-copy proof or hard-copy proof produced directly from digital data, on a display or a substrate,
respectively
3.4
digital proof print
digital hard-copy proof
digital proof (3.3) produced as a reflection copy on a proofing substrate (3.5)
3.5
proofing substrate
printing substrate used for hard-copy proofing processes
3.6
halftone proof
proof print made using the same screening technology (generally centre-weighted halftone dots) as the
intended production printing
Note 1 to entry: This is done to attempt to produce (and therefore check for the existence of) the same screening
artefacts, such as rosettes, moiré, or aliasing patterns, as expected in the corresponding production print. One
possibility is to base proofing on the bitmap produced on the production plate or film setter.
3.7
primaries
set of process inks: cyan, magenta, yellow and black
3.8
print stabilization period
time elapsed since the production of a proof print until a stable colour is achieved
Note 1 to entry: This property is to be specified by the manufacturer.
3.9
spot colour inks
inks which are not part of the set of process inks
Note 1 to entry: Spot colour inks are often used when printing brand colours.
2 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

4 Requirements
4.1 Colour difference measurements
In previous revisions of this document, CIELAB 1976 colour difference measurements (ΔE* ) were
ab
used as detailed in ISO 13655 for normative colour difference measurements.
Conformance with this document requires the reporting of all colour differences as CIEDE2000 (ΔE ).
NOTE The relationship of ΔE* to ΔE varies throughout the colour space and there is no simple correlation
ab 00
between the two metrics. Users are advised that some proofs that are in conformance with ISO 12647-7:2013
may not be in conformance with this document and that some proofs that are in conformance with this document
may not be in conformance with ISO 12647-7:2013.
4.2 Data files, simulation of screens
4.2.1 Data delivery
Digital proofing systems should accept digital data delivered as PDF/X data files as defined in ISO 15930
(all parts) or TIFF/IT files as defined in ISO 12639. Where TIFF/IT files are used, colour information
shall be included using tag 34675 or tag 34029 as defined in ISO 12639.
PDF/X requires that the intended printing condition be indicated. Where the intended printing condition
is included in the registry of characterizations maintained by the International Color Consortium (ICC)
and the digital data are cyan-magenta-yellow-black (CMYK), the name used in the ICC registry is usually
used for identification in lieu of including an ICC output profile. If the intended printing condition is not
included in said registry, PDF/X requires that an ICC output profile be included. If the data are other
than CMYK, the data are required to be defined colorimetrically using an ICC input profile or another
mechanism and an ICC CMYK output profile is required to be included; the rendering intent to be used
with the output profile is required to be communicated.
4.2.2 Screen frequency
Halftone proofs should have the same screen frequencies (screen rulings) as the production press print
to be simulated within a tolerance of ±3/cm.
4.2.3 Screen angle
Halftone proofs should have the same screen angles (with a tolerance of ±3°) as the production print to
be simulated.
4.2.4 Dot shape
Halftone proofs should have the same general dot shape as the production print to be simulated.
4.2.5 Halftone proofs screening
Where halftone proofs are used and the screen frequency, screen angle or dot shape are different from
that of the production press to be simulated, these differences shall be reported.
4.3 Proof print
4.3.1 General
When evaluating and communicating proofing substrate properties, the list of required criteria for
communication described in ISO 15397 should be followed.
4.3.2 Proofing substrate colour and gloss
In an ideal situation, the digital proofing substrate should be the same as the substrate to be used for
production printing. As this ideal situation is seldom possible, the digital proofing substrate shall fulfil
all of the following criteria.
a) The gloss level of both the printing substrate and proofing substrates shall be estimated as one of
matte, semi-matte or glossy either by the substrate manufacturer or by measuring as described in
5.5. Matte proofing substrates shall not be used to make proofs for glossy printing substrates and
glossy proofing substrates shall not be used to make proofs for matte printing substrates.
b) The white point of the unprinted proofing substrate shall allow a colorimetric match of the
substrate of the intended printing condition to be simulated with a colour difference of less than or
equal to 3,0 ΔE units when measured according to ISO 13655.
To assure a white point match, the proofing substrate should have a CIEL* value that is higher than the
substrate of the printing condition to be simulated.
c) The proofing substrate should belong to the same fluorescence classification as the production
paper. Fluorescence classification in four levels of faint, low, moderate, and high shall be made
using the testing procedures described in ISO 15397:2014, 5.12.
NOTE Fluorescence as defined in ISO 15397 is calculated by measuring D65 brightness evaluated as per
ISO 2470-2 with UV included (UV) and UV excluded (UV ) and taking the ratio UV/UV (see ISO 15397 for
ex ex
details). Usual categories for fluorescence are faint, low, moderate and high. In practice, it is often useful to add
an OBA free category in which case the faint category is split into OBA free and faint. The categories and ranges
for each are shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Fluorescence categories and ranges
Category name Range
OBA free 0 ≤ OBA free ≤ 1
Faint 1 < faint ≤ 4
Low 4 < low ≤ 8
Moderate 8 < moderate ≤ 14
High 14 < high ≤ 25
4.3.3 Colouration of printed parts
The measurement conditions shall be as specified in 5.4; the digital control strip specified in 5.2 and an
ISO 12642-2 compliant chart shall be used.
The CIELAB colour coordinates of the process colour solids shall agree with the pertinent aim values
of the printing condition to be simulated as given by the data (see 4.2.1), within 3,0 ΔE units. The
CIELAB metric hue difference for CMY shall not exceed 2,5.
The variability of the colouration across the proof print format is limited by the provision that the
colours of nine measurement locations evenly spaced on the test objects (see 5.3.4), which have been
printed without prior modification in view of the printing condition, shall have the following:
— a standard deviation of less than 0,5 each for values of L*, a*, and b*;
— a maximum of 2,0 ΔE units between the average value and any one point.
The CIELAB colour coordinates of the control patches, defined in 5.2 or ISO 12642-2, shall agree with
the pertinent aim values of the printing condition to be simulated as given by the data (see 4.2.1) within
the tolerances specified in Table 2.
4 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

If the proofing conditions are such that the simulation of the production printing substrate requires
overprinting of the proofing substrate, the maximum colour difference between the overprinted
proofing substrate and the production printing substrate shall be less than or equal to 3,0 ΔE units.
Table 2 — Additional tolerances for control patches
Control patch description Tolerance
All patches specified in 5.2 except spot colour ink patches Maximum ΔE ≤ 5,0
Average ΔE ≤ 2,5
A CMY overprint scale roughly replicating the neutral scale for an average
Maximum ΔC ≤ 3,5
h
printing condition comprising a minimum of five patches spaced
Average ΔC ≤ 2,0
h
approximately uniform intervals across the tone scale
All patches of ISO 12642-2 Average ΔE ≤ 2,5
95th percentile ΔE ≤ 5,0
All spot colour ink solid patches specified in 5.2 Maximum ΔE ≤ 2,5
NOTE 1  The tolerances pertain to the deviation of the proof values from the values of the characterization data of the
printing condition to be simulated.
The specification of ΔE tolerances lower than 2,5 is presently not practical due to poor inter-model agreement; however,
when the same instrument is being used to make both sets of measurements, it is recommended that the tolerances be halved.
If the final proof print is subjected to surface finishing, the final colours might deviate significantly from those of the
unfinished print. In this case, a new proofer or simulation profile or other adjustments are required.
Spot colour ink solid patches should be clearly identified by the CIELAB colour of the solid spot ink on the print substrate.
There is no standard way to communicate the intended colour of a tint of a spot ink and so communication of spot ink tint
aim values and tolerances shall be determined by a separate agreement between participants, for example by means of a
physical reference sample.
NOTE 2  Previous versions of this document used the metric ΔH which is very unstable for differences close to the neutral
axis and so this has been replaced by chromaticness difference ΔC which provides a more reliable measure.
h
4.3.4 Gamut
The 226 outer gamut patches of ISO 12642-2 shall be proof printed. The average colour difference
between actual and aim values for those patches shall not exceed 2,5 ΔE units. See Annex C for the list
of outer gamut patches of ISO 12642-2.
Where multiple printing conditions are supported by a proof printer, this test may be applied to ensure
that the proof printer colour gamut is sufficiently large to allow all printing conditions to be supported
effectively.
Solid and a representative set of tints, including at least a 50 % tint where a definition is available, of all
spot colours to be simulated shall be proof printed. The maximum colour difference between actual and
aim values for those patches shall not exceed 2,5 ΔE units.
NOTE ISO 17972-4 defines an exchange format (CxF/X-4) for spectral measurement data of inks to provide
a means to characterize spot colour inks to allow reliable printing and proofing of products that have been
designed using these inks.
Spot colours which cannot be simulated by the proofing system, such as when they are out of gamut or
where special inks are used, shall be identified and proofs should be accompanied by a physical sample
of the required colour.
4.3.5 Permanence of proofing substrate and printed parts
Four copies of a test form shall be prepared on the proofing substrate which contains unprinted parts
and patches of printed primaries and secondaries both as solids and as midtones. Combinations of all
of the process colours used by the proofing system shall be included in this set which may include more
than four colourants.
The four copies of the test form shall be stored for a print stabilization period of at least 24 h in the
dark under standard atmosphere according to ISO 187 (at 23 °C ± 1 °C and a relative humidity of
50 % ± 2 % RH).
The CIELAB colour values of the proofing substrate and the printed patches shall be measured according
to ISO 13655 M1.
Each of the four copies of the test form shall be subjected to one of the following storage conditions:
a) 24 h at 25 °C ± 1 °C and at a relative humidity of 25 % ± 2 % in the dark;
b) 24 h at 40 °C ± 1 °C and a relative humidity of 80 % ± 2 % in the dark;
c) 1 week at 40 °C ± 1 °C and at a relative humidity of 10 % ± 2 % in the dark;
d) light fastness exposure using a window glass filtered xenon lamp with a level of exposure of the
test form corresponding to a light fastness rating of 3 using the blue wool test as described in
ISO 12040. Fading of blue wool reference 3 (Acid blue 83) should be used to check the dose.
For each of these treatments, for the substrate and for all patches of the test form, the maximum colour
difference between colour values of the patches before and after the treatment shall not exceed 2,5 ΔE
units and should not exceed 2,0 ΔE units. For matte substrates (see 4.3.2 and 5.5), these tolerances
shall be relaxed to 4,0 ΔE .
Prints with rough surfaces are generally more susceptible to fading but in some cases having a proof
with a surface that is similar to that of the production print is more important than having a light fast
proof and so these tolerances shall be reduced to allow the use of proofs with mechanically rough
surfaces.
The reader should be aware that production printing substrates and inks are usually less stable than
typical inkjet-based proofing substrates and inks, see Reference [12]. It is therefore recommended to
apply this permanence test to proofs on production printing substrates if the lifetime of such proofs is
of any concern.
NOTE It is anticipated that window glass application as described in ISO 105-B02, e.g. optical filters, be
fitted to minimize short-wavelength light (less than 310 nm).
4.3.6 Repeatability of proof printing
The variability of the proof print primary and secondary colour solids and primary colour midtone
patches from one day to the following shall not exceed a colour difference of 2,0 ΔE units. Patches
should be measured by the same instrument and at the same position on the sheet after the vendor-
specified warming-up period and, if necessary, recalibration.
4.3.7 Colourant rub resistance
Using the test apparatus and method specified in Annex B, the time required by printed solids to reach
mechanical stability against a rubbing action should not exceed 30 min or the print stabilization period,
whichever is longer. This test shall be performed for each combination of materials and operating
conditions that the proofing system supports.
NOTE A period of 30 min was chosen because this is believed to represent the expectation of the average
user. Where the colour (as distinct from the rub resistance of the colourant) takes longer to stabilize, this
requirement can be relaxed.
6 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

4.3.8 Ink set gloss
The gloss of solid tone colours should be visually similar to that of the production print to be simulated.
The ink set gloss may be specified if deemed necessary; the method specified in 5.5 shall be used.
NOTE If the gloss of the proof print is substantially changed by the applied colourants, a surface-finishing
step might improve the situation. See 4.3.2.
4.3.9 Tone value reproduction limits
Tints intermediate between the (simulated) substrate white and solid shall transfer onto the proof in
a consistent and uniform manner over a tone value range that includes at least the tone reproduction
limits of the printing condition to be simulated; see the part of ISO 12647 that describes process control
for the type of printing to be simulated.
NOTE It is good prepress practice that no image parts rely on tone values outside of the tone value
reproduction limits of the production printing process.
4.3.10 Reproduction of vignettes
The test objects specified in 5.3.2 shall show no easily visible steps within the tone value reproduction
limits (see 4.3.9) if viewed under ISO viewing condition P1 in accordance with ISO 3664.
4.3.11 Image register and resolving power
The maximum deviation between the image centres of any two printed colours shall not be larger than
0,05 mm. The resolving power of the proof print shall be such that C, M, K positive, non-serif, type of
2-point size, reverse (negative) of 8-point size, and 2-point reverse line are legibly reproduced; the test
object specified in 5.3.3 shall be used.
The above requirements shall not apply to rough or mechanically unstable substrates such as newsprint
or to cases where the tolerances for production printing registration are substantially greater than
0,05 mm.
NOTE 1 This condition usually corresponds to an output addressability of at least 100 pixels per centimetre.
NOTE 2 This condition includes the effects of colourant migration, if at all present.
4.3.12 Margin information
The following information shall be provided and every digital proof should include the following
information as a human-readable commentary line:
— conformance level (“Digital proof according to ISO 12647-7:—”);
— file name;
— digital proofing system designation;
— substrate material type;
— the printing condition simulated;
— time and date of production;
— measurement condition: M0, M1, or M2.
NOTE 1 The intent of including the printing condition is to identify this clearly to a user. The conventions used
to indicate printing conditions vary but a good way to do this would be to identify the name of a characterization
data set, for example using its name as registered on the ICC registry or using the filename or profile description
tag of an ICC profile that represents the printing condition.
It should also include
— colourant types,
— colour management profile(s) used,
— raster image processor (RIP) name and version,
— scaling (if applied),
— type of coating (if applied or simulated),
— time and date of last calibration,
— details of any special data preparation, and
— type of paper/structure simulation such as noise or patterning (if applied).
When making a proof from a PDF/X document, the margin information shall include the file name and
the date and time of the last modification and should include the document ID. When the document
ID is included, this shall be printed as two hex strings and the last five digits of each string should be
highlighted in some way in order to assist identification.
NOTE 2 In some cases of recalibration, it is useful to re-profile the proofer.
5 Test methods
5.1 Viewing conditions
Viewing of prints shall be in accordance with ISO 3664 P1 or P2 viewing condition.
5.2 Control strip
A CMYK digital control strip representing the printing condition to be simulated shall be printed on
every proof. The control elements identified in the list below should be included while keeping the
total number of patches within reasonable limits. To provide compatibility with characterization data,
as many control patches as possible should be selected from ink value combinations of ISO 12642-2.
Control patches shall be selected such that the following control patch types are covered:
a) solid tones of the chromatic primaries and their secondaries C,M,Y,R,G, and B (6 patches);
b) mid- and shadow tones of the chromatic primaries and their secondaries C,M,Y,R,G, and B (12
patches);
c) black (K) tone scale with a minimum of six steps that includes the solid;
d) a set of patches with CMY values chosen to match the colour of the patches defined in c) as closely
as possible;
e) selection of critical tertiary colours such as flesh tones, brown, aubergine, violet (e.g. 15 patches);
f) simulated print substrate colour of the production printing condition (1 patch);
g) solid tones of all spot colour inks used in the document.
NOTE 1 There are two practical definitions for grey which are sometimes contradictory: (i) a colour having
the same a* and b* CIELAB values as the print substrate; (ii) a colour having the same a* and b* CIELAB values
as a halftone tint of similar L* value printed with black ink. The latter definition is believed to be useful in the
midtone and upwards whereas the former is believed to work best with highlight tones.
8 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

NOTE 2 Grey balance patches composed of suitable CMY mixtures serve a useful purpose for quick visual checks
of whether the CMY tone values have changed, for example from one proof print to the next. A single grey balance
condition is usually not sufficient to ensure an achromatic colour for all print substrates and printing inks that are
used for a given printing condition. In addition, it usually depends on the particular black composition used.
The L* scale of the black is usually considerably greater than the three colour scale and care should be
taken to ensure that the patches described in c) and d) above are suitably spaced.
5.3 Additional test objects
5.3.1 Resolution
For the visual determination of the resolving power of the proofing process, the resolution charts S2
and S3 defined in ISO 12640-1 shall be used.
5.3.2 Primary and secondary process colours
For checks of the primary and secondary process colours (C, M, Y, K, M+Y, C+Y, C+M, and C+M+Y), a test
form comprising vignette targets such as the test image S6 of ISO 12640-1 should be used. The length
of the vignettes should be such that they are just below the length where less than smooth behaviour is
visible for normal production printing.
5.3.3 Resolving power
For checks on the resolving power, a test form comprising positive and reverse type of a non-serif Latin
font with text sizes of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 points and reverse lines with widths of 2, 3, and 4 points should
be printed both parallel and normal to the edge of the print (diagonal lines are not required). Three sets
of positive text should be printed using 100 % cyan, 100 % magenta and 100 % black. Reverse printing
should use 100 % black-only background with white knock-out. The same regular body text font should
be used for all cases and all instances of 2-point text should be legible and all instances of 2-point lines
should be visible.
NOTE This is simulation of the intended printing condition and press colourants are likely to be simulated
by a colorimetric emulation involving multiple colourants on the target device.
5.3.4 Uniformity
For checks on uniformity, create three prints, each with an even tint area that fills the printable format
of the proof printer, using the following tone value combinations:
a) C: 65 %, M: 50 %, Y: 50 %, K: 50 %;
b) C: 40 %, M: 30 %, Y: 30 %, K: 30 %;
c) C: 20 %, M: 15 %, Y: 15 %, K: 15 %.
NOTE The most popular format for proof printing is A3+.
5.4 Colour measurement
Colour measurements shall be made using an instrument (such as a spectrophotometer from which
colorimetric values can be calculated) that is capable of repeatedly producing measured values well
within the tolerances specified in this document. The measurement condition of the instrument should
be set to use the CIE Illuminant D50 and the 2° standard observer. The CIELAB colour coordinates L*,
a*, b* shall be calculated as detailed in ISO 13655. Characterization data representing a particular
measurement condition (M0,
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12647-7
Third edition
2016-11-15
Graphic technology — Process control
for the production of halftone colour
separations, proof and production
prints —
Part 7:
Proofing processes working directly
from digital data
Technologie graphique — Contrôle des processus de confection de
sélections couleurs tramées, d’épreuves et de tirages —
Partie 7: Processus d’épreuve travaillant directement à partir de
données numériques
Reference number
©
ISO 2016
© ISO 2016, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements . 3
4.1 Colour difference measurements . 3
4.2 Data files, simulation of screens. 3
4.2.1 Data delivery . 3
4.2.2 Screen frequency . 3
4.2.3 Screen angle . 3
4.2.4 Dot shape . 3
4.2.5 Halftone proofs screening . 3
4.3 Proof print . 3
4.3.1 General. 3
4.3.2 Proofing substrate colour and gloss . 4
4.3.3 Colouration of printed parts . 4
4.3.4 Gamut . 5
4.3.5 Permanence of proofing substrate and printed parts . 5
4.3.6 Repeatability of proof printing . 6
4.3.7 Colourant rub resistance . 6
4.3.8 Ink set gloss . 7
4.3.9 Tone value reproduction limits . 7
4.3.10 Reproduction of vignettes . 7
4.3.11 Image register and resolving power . 7
4.3.12 Margin information . 7
5 Test methods . 8
5.1 Viewing conditions . 8
5.2 Control strip . 8
5.3 Additional test objects . 9
5.3.1 Resolution . 9
5.3.2 Primary and secondary process colours . 9
5.3.3 Resolving power . 9
5.3.4 Uniformity . 9
5.4 Colour measurement . 9
5.5 Measurement of gloss .10
5.6 Visual appraisal of proof-press-print matches .10
Annex A (normative) Technical requirements for proofing conformity .11
Annex B (normative) Rub resistance of the proof colourant .15
Annex C (normative) Outer gamut patches.18
Annex D (informative) Organizational certification routines for visual appraisal of proof-
print press-print matches .21
Bibliography .23
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity assessment,
as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 130, Graphic technology.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 12647-7:2013), which has been
technically revised with the following changes:
— a number of anomalies identified by industry experts have been addressed;
— substrate selection and measurement specification has been modified to reflect industry practice;
— approximately equivalent CIEDE2000 colour difference values have been added;
— basic support for spot inks has been added;
— wording has been updated to reflect current terminology and industry thinking.
A list of all parts in the ISO 12647 series can be found on the ISO website.
iv © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Introduction
ISO 12647-1 serves to provide definitions, the general principles, the general order, the material to be
covered in ISO 12647-2 to ISO 12647-8, the definition of the data, the measurement conditions, and the
reporting style.
This document relates to the subject of digital proofing and establishes proofing requirements for the
most demanding part of the printing and publishing market.
This document specifies aim values (or sets of aim values) and tolerances for the primary parameters
specified in ISO 12647-1 for digital proof printing. Primary parameters that define a printing condition
include screening parameters (where applicable), the colours of the solids, the colour of the print
substrate, colours of intermediate tint values and the tone curve. This document also specifies test
methods for those properties of digital proof prints and their substrates that are considered relevant
for stable and reliable proofing conditions, and thus for a certification procedure.
The graphic technology industry makes extensive use of proofing to predict the rendering of digital data
files by a wide variety of high-definition, high-quality off-press printing processes and applications.
Each prediction is based on a characterization data set that defines a particular printing condition.
Typically, the specified printing condition is defined through an International Color Consortium (ICC)
profile or the associated characterization data set, both of which relate source data and colorimetric
values of the printed colour. Such data may be derived from printing conditions conforming to the
pertinent process standard of the ISO 12647 series by industry trade groups or individuals.
The purpose of a proof print is to simulate the visual characteristics of the finished production print
product as closely as possible. In order to visually match a particular printing condition, proofing
processes require a set of parameters to be specified that are not necessarily identical to those put
forward in ISO 12647-1 or another part of ISO 12647. This is caused by differences in colourant spectra
or phenomena such as gloss, light scatter (within the print substrate or the colourant), and transparency.
In such cases, it is also found that spectrocolorimetry takes precedence over densitometry.
Another problem area is the matching of a double-sided production print on a lightweight printing
substrate, such as often used in heat-set web and publication gravure printing, to a digital proof on
a nearly opaque substrate. If the proof was produced using a colour management profile based on
measurements with white backing, there will be an unavoidable visual and measurable difference
between the proof on the one hand and the production print placed on black on the other hand. A
black backing is required for double-sided production printing on non-opaque prints, as specified
in the pertinent parts of ISO 12647. The possible occurrence of such differences needs to be well
communicated, in advance, to all parties concerned.
Historically, there has been no consistency in the way that either the characterization data or the
criteria and limits for a satisfactory match have been provided. This has led to significant redundancy
and inconsistencies in the evaluation of proofing systems for different, but similar, applications, and a
cost and time burden on the industry. This document therefore attempts to provide guidance in this
area by providing specifications and associated testing procedures.
Annex A summarizes the requirements for the digital proof prints listed in the main body of this
document; these are weighted with respect to their relevance in three typical situations:
— requirements with which a proof print, made for a particular printing condition, must comply if it
is to be referenced in a contract between the printer and the provider of the digital data (Certified
Proof Creation);
— requirements with which a vendor’s proofing system, comprising hardware and software, must
comply if it is to be considered capable of reliably producing digital contract proofs for a particular
printing condition (Certified Proofing System);
— requirements with which a proof print made for a particular printing condition must comply when
tested in the field using only a control wedge (Certified Field Proof).
ISO 12647-8 defines requirements for validation prints. Because data are exchanged electronically
and visualizations of those data are produced at multiple sites, there is a market need for defined
requirements for validation prints to promote a degree of consistency throughout the workflow.
Validation prints are intended to be used at early stages of the print production workflow, particularly
at the document design stage and have less stringent requirements, particularly on colour fidelity, to
allow their production on less elaborate and less costly devices than are required for contract proofs.
Validation prints are not intended to replace “contract proofs” as specified in this document for
predicting colour on production printing devices. It is expected that the modifications of the
requirements for both contract proofs and validation prints, along with the requirements for contract
proofs, will continue in the future as industry requirements and imaging technologies develop.
vi © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12647-7:2016(E)
Graphic technology — Process control for the production
of halftone colour separations, proof and production
prints —
Part 7:
Proofing processes working directly from digital data
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for systems that are used to produce hard-copy digital
proof prints intended to simulate a printing condition defined by a set of characterization data.
Recommendations are provided with regard to appropriate test methods associated with these
requirements.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 187, Paper, board and pulps — Standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing and procedure for
monitoring the atmosphere and conditioning of samples
ISO 2813, Paints and varnishes — Determination of gloss value at 20°, 60° and 85°
ISO 3664, Graphic technology and photography — Viewing conditions
ISO 8254-1, Paper and board — Measurement of specular gloss — Part 1: 75° gloss with a converging beam,
TAPPI method
ISO 12040, Graphic technology — Prints and printing inks — Assessment of light fastness using filtered
xenon arc light
ISO 12639, Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — Tag image file format for image
technology (TIFF/IT)
ISO 12640-1, Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — Part 1: CMYK standard colour image
data (CMYK/SCID)
ISO 12642-2, Graphic technology — Input data for characterization of 4-colour process printing — Part 2:
Expanded data set
ISO 13655, Graphic technology — Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation for graphic
arts images
ISO 15397:2014, Graphic technology — Communication of graphic paper properties
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 12647-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
chromatic primaries
cyan, magenta and yellow process inks
3.2
CIELAB chromaticness difference
ΔC
h
difference between two colours of approximately the same lightness projected onto a constant lightness
plane in the CIELAB colour space
2 2
Note 1 to entry: This is calculated as ΔCa=−()CIECIEab+−()CIECIEb .
h ) 12 12
3.3
digital proof
soft-copy proof or hard-copy proof produced directly from digital data, on a display or a substrate,
respectively
3.4
digital proof print
digital hard-copy proof
digital proof (3.3) produced as a reflection copy on a proofing substrate (3.5)
3.5
proofing substrate
printing substrate used for hard-copy proofing processes
3.6
halftone proof
proof print made using the same screening technology (generally centre-weighted halftone dots) as the
intended production printing
Note 1 to entry: This is done to attempt to produce (and therefore check for the existence of) the same screening
artefacts, such as rosettes, moiré, or aliasing patterns, as expected in the corresponding production print. One
possibility is to base proofing on the bitmap produced on the production plate or film setter.
3.7
primaries
set of process inks: cyan, magenta, yellow and black
3.8
print stabilization period
time elapsed since the production of a proof print until a stable colour is achieved
Note 1 to entry: This property is to be specified by the manufacturer.
3.9
spot colour inks
inks which are not part of the set of process inks
Note 1 to entry: Spot colour inks are often used when printing brand colours.
2 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

4 Requirements
4.1 Colour difference measurements
In previous revisions of this document, CIELAB 1976 colour difference measurements (ΔE* ) were
ab
used as detailed in ISO 13655 for normative colour difference measurements.
Conformance with this document requires the reporting of all colour differences as CIEDE2000 (ΔE ).
NOTE The relationship of ΔE* to ΔE varies throughout the colour space and there is no simple correlation
ab 00
between the two metrics. Users are advised that some proofs that are in conformance with ISO 12647-7:2013
may not be in conformance with this document and that some proofs that are in conformance with this document
may not be in conformance with ISO 12647-7:2013.
4.2 Data files, simulation of screens
4.2.1 Data delivery
Digital proofing systems should accept digital data delivered as PDF/X data files as defined in ISO 15930
(all parts) or TIFF/IT files as defined in ISO 12639. Where TIFF/IT files are used, colour information
shall be included using tag 34675 or tag 34029 as defined in ISO 12639.
PDF/X requires that the intended printing condition be indicated. Where the intended printing condition
is included in the registry of characterizations maintained by the International Color Consortium (ICC)
and the digital data are cyan-magenta-yellow-black (CMYK), the name used in the ICC registry is usually
used for identification in lieu of including an ICC output profile. If the intended printing condition is not
included in said registry, PDF/X requires that an ICC output profile be included. If the data are other
than CMYK, the data are required to be defined colorimetrically using an ICC input profile or another
mechanism and an ICC CMYK output profile is required to be included; the rendering intent to be used
with the output profile is required to be communicated.
4.2.2 Screen frequency
Halftone proofs should have the same screen frequencies (screen rulings) as the production press print
to be simulated within a tolerance of ±3/cm.
4.2.3 Screen angle
Halftone proofs should have the same screen angles (with a tolerance of ±3°) as the production print to
be simulated.
4.2.4 Dot shape
Halftone proofs should have the same general dot shape as the production print to be simulated.
4.2.5 Halftone proofs screening
Where halftone proofs are used and the screen frequency, screen angle or dot shape are different from
that of the production press to be simulated, these differences shall be reported.
4.3 Proof print
4.3.1 General
When evaluating and communicating proofing substrate properties, the list of required criteria for
communication described in ISO 15397 should be followed.
4.3.2 Proofing substrate colour and gloss
In an ideal situation, the digital proofing substrate should be the same as the substrate to be used for
production printing. As this ideal situation is seldom possible, the digital proofing substrate shall fulfil
all of the following criteria.
a) The gloss level of both the printing substrate and proofing substrates shall be estimated as one of
matte, semi-matte or glossy either by the substrate manufacturer or by measuring as described in
5.5. Matte proofing substrates shall not be used to make proofs for glossy printing substrates and
glossy proofing substrates shall not be used to make proofs for matte printing substrates.
b) The white point of the unprinted proofing substrate shall allow a colorimetric match of the
substrate of the intended printing condition to be simulated with a colour difference of less than or
equal to 3,0 ΔE units when measured according to ISO 13655.
To assure a white point match, the proofing substrate should have a CIEL* value that is higher than the
substrate of the printing condition to be simulated.
c) The proofing substrate should belong to the same fluorescence classification as the production
paper. Fluorescence classification in four levels of faint, low, moderate, and high shall be made
using the testing procedures described in ISO 15397:2014, 5.12.
NOTE Fluorescence as defined in ISO 15397 is calculated by measuring D65 brightness evaluated as per
ISO 2470-2 with UV included (UV) and UV excluded (UV ) and taking the ratio UV/UV (see ISO 15397 for
ex ex
details). Usual categories for fluorescence are faint, low, moderate and high. In practice, it is often useful to add
an OBA free category in which case the faint category is split into OBA free and faint. The categories and ranges
for each are shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Fluorescence categories and ranges
Category name Range
OBA free 0 ≤ OBA free ≤ 1
Faint 1 < faint ≤ 4
Low 4 < low ≤ 8
Moderate 8 < moderate ≤ 14
High 14 < high ≤ 25
4.3.3 Colouration of printed parts
The measurement conditions shall be as specified in 5.4; the digital control strip specified in 5.2 and an
ISO 12642-2 compliant chart shall be used.
The CIELAB colour coordinates of the process colour solids shall agree with the pertinent aim values
of the printing condition to be simulated as given by the data (see 4.2.1), within 3,0 ΔE units. The
CIELAB metric hue difference for CMY shall not exceed 2,5.
The variability of the colouration across the proof print format is limited by the provision that the
colours of nine measurement locations evenly spaced on the test objects (see 5.3.4), which have been
printed without prior modification in view of the printing condition, shall have the following:
— a standard deviation of less than 0,5 each for values of L*, a*, and b*;
— a maximum of 2,0 ΔE units between the average value and any one point.
The CIELAB colour coordinates of the control patches, defined in 5.2 or ISO 12642-2, shall agree with
the pertinent aim values of the printing condition to be simulated as given by the data (see 4.2.1) within
the tolerances specified in Table 2.
4 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

If the proofing conditions are such that the simulation of the production printing substrate requires
overprinting of the proofing substrate, the maximum colour difference between the overprinted
proofing substrate and the production printing substrate shall be less than or equal to 3,0 ΔE units.
Table 2 — Additional tolerances for control patches
Control patch description Tolerance
All patches specified in 5.2 except spot colour ink patches Maximum ΔE ≤ 5,0
Average ΔE ≤ 2,5
A CMY overprint scale roughly replicating the neutral scale for an average
Maximum ΔC ≤ 3,5
h
printing condition comprising a minimum of five patches spaced
Average ΔC ≤ 2,0
h
approximately uniform intervals across the tone scale
All patches of ISO 12642-2 Average ΔE ≤ 2,5
95th percentile ΔE ≤ 5,0
All spot colour ink solid patches specified in 5.2 Maximum ΔE ≤ 2,5
NOTE 1  The tolerances pertain to the deviation of the proof values from the values of the characterization data of the
printing condition to be simulated.
The specification of ΔE tolerances lower than 2,5 is presently not practical due to poor inter-model agreement; however,
when the same instrument is being used to make both sets of measurements, it is recommended that the tolerances be halved.
If the final proof print is subjected to surface finishing, the final colours might deviate significantly from those of the
unfinished print. In this case, a new proofer or simulation profile or other adjustments are required.
Spot colour ink solid patches should be clearly identified by the CIELAB colour of the solid spot ink on the print substrate.
There is no standard way to communicate the intended colour of a tint of a spot ink and so communication of spot ink tint
aim values and tolerances shall be determined by a separate agreement between participants, for example by means of a
physical reference sample.
NOTE 2  Previous versions of this document used the metric ΔH which is very unstable for differences close to the neutral
axis and so this has been replaced by chromaticness difference ΔC which provides a more reliable measure.
h
4.3.4 Gamut
The 226 outer gamut patches of ISO 12642-2 shall be proof printed. The average colour difference
between actual and aim values for those patches shall not exceed 2,5 ΔE units. See Annex C for the list
of outer gamut patches of ISO 12642-2.
Where multiple printing conditions are supported by a proof printer, this test may be applied to ensure
that the proof printer colour gamut is sufficiently large to allow all printing conditions to be supported
effectively.
Solid and a representative set of tints, including at least a 50 % tint where a definition is available, of all
spot colours to be simulated shall be proof printed. The maximum colour difference between actual and
aim values for those patches shall not exceed 2,5 ΔE units.
NOTE ISO 17972-4 defines an exchange format (CxF/X-4) for spectral measurement data of inks to provide
a means to characterize spot colour inks to allow reliable printing and proofing of products that have been
designed using these inks.
Spot colours which cannot be simulated by the proofing system, such as when they are out of gamut or
where special inks are used, shall be identified and proofs should be accompanied by a physical sample
of the required colour.
4.3.5 Permanence of proofing substrate and printed parts
Four copies of a test form shall be prepared on the proofing substrate which contains unprinted parts
and patches of printed primaries and secondaries both as solids and as midtones. Combinations of all
of the process colours used by the proofing system shall be included in this set which may include more
than four colourants.
The four copies of the test form shall be stored for a print stabilization period of at least 24 h in the
dark under standard atmosphere according to ISO 187 (at 23 °C ± 1 °C and a relative humidity of
50 % ± 2 % RH).
The CIELAB colour values of the proofing substrate and the printed patches shall be measured according
to ISO 13655 M1.
Each of the four copies of the test form shall be subjected to one of the following storage conditions:
a) 24 h at 25 °C ± 1 °C and at a relative humidity of 25 % ± 2 % in the dark;
b) 24 h at 40 °C ± 1 °C and a relative humidity of 80 % ± 2 % in the dark;
c) 1 week at 40 °C ± 1 °C and at a relative humidity of 10 % ± 2 % in the dark;
d) light fastness exposure using a window glass filtered xenon lamp with a level of exposure of the
test form corresponding to a light fastness rating of 3 using the blue wool test as described in
ISO 12040. Fading of blue wool reference 3 (Acid blue 83) should be used to check the dose.
For each of these treatments, for the substrate and for all patches of the test form, the maximum colour
difference between colour values of the patches before and after the treatment shall not exceed 2,5 ΔE
units and should not exceed 2,0 ΔE units. For matte substrates (see 4.3.2 and 5.5), these tolerances
shall be relaxed to 4,0 ΔE .
Prints with rough surfaces are generally more susceptible to fading but in some cases having a proof
with a surface that is similar to that of the production print is more important than having a light fast
proof and so these tolerances shall be reduced to allow the use of proofs with mechanically rough
surfaces.
The reader should be aware that production printing substrates and inks are usually less stable than
typical inkjet-based proofing substrates and inks, see Reference [12]. It is therefore recommended to
apply this permanence test to proofs on production printing substrates if the lifetime of such proofs is
of any concern.
NOTE It is anticipated that window glass application as described in ISO 105-B02, e.g. optical filters, be
fitted to minimize short-wavelength light (less than 310 nm).
4.3.6 Repeatability of proof printing
The variability of the proof print primary and secondary colour solids and primary colour midtone
patches from one day to the following shall not exceed a colour difference of 2,0 ΔE units. Patches
should be measured by the same instrument and at the same position on the sheet after the vendor-
specified warming-up period and, if necessary, recalibration.
4.3.7 Colourant rub resistance
Using the test apparatus and method specified in Annex B, the time required by printed solids to reach
mechanical stability against a rubbing action should not exceed 30 min or the print stabilization period,
whichever is longer. This test shall be performed for each combination of materials and operating
conditions that the proofing system supports.
NOTE A period of 30 min was chosen because this is believed to represent the expectation of the average
user. Where the colour (as distinct from the rub resistance of the colourant) takes longer to stabilize, this
requirement can be relaxed.
6 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

4.3.8 Ink set gloss
The gloss of solid tone colours should be visually similar to that of the production print to be simulated.
The ink set gloss may be specified if deemed necessary; the method specified in 5.5 shall be used.
NOTE If the gloss of the proof print is substantially changed by the applied colourants, a surface-finishing
step might improve the situation. See 4.3.2.
4.3.9 Tone value reproduction limits
Tints intermediate between the (simulated) substrate white and solid shall transfer onto the proof in
a consistent and uniform manner over a tone value range that includes at least the tone reproduction
limits of the printing condition to be simulated; see the part of ISO 12647 that describes process control
for the type of printing to be simulated.
NOTE It is good prepress practice that no image parts rely on tone values outside of the tone value
reproduction limits of the production printing process.
4.3.10 Reproduction of vignettes
The test objects specified in 5.3.2 shall show no easily visible steps within the tone value reproduction
limits (see 4.3.9) if viewed under ISO viewing condition P1 in accordance with ISO 3664.
4.3.11 Image register and resolving power
The maximum deviation between the image centres of any two printed colours shall not be larger than
0,05 mm. The resolving power of the proof print shall be such that C, M, K positive, non-serif, type of
2-point size, reverse (negative) of 8-point size, and 2-point reverse line are legibly reproduced; the test
object specified in 5.3.3 shall be used.
The above requirements shall not apply to rough or mechanically unstable substrates such as newsprint
or to cases where the tolerances for production printing registration are substantially greater than
0,05 mm.
NOTE 1 This condition usually corresponds to an output addressability of at least 100 pixels per centimetre.
NOTE 2 This condition includes the effects of colourant migration, if at all present.
4.3.12 Margin information
The following information shall be provided and every digital proof should include the following
information as a human-readable commentary line:
— conformance level (“Digital proof according to ISO 12647-7:—”);
— file name;
— digital proofing system designation;
— substrate material type;
— the printing condition simulated;
— time and date of production;
— measurement condition: M0, M1, or M2.
NOTE 1 The intent of including the printing condition is to identify this clearly to a user. The conventions used
to indicate printing conditions vary but a good way to do this would be to identify the name of a characterization
data set, for example using its name as registered on the ICC registry or using the filename or profile description
tag of an ICC profile that represents the printing condition.
It should also include
— colourant types,
— colour management profile(s) used,
— raster image processor (RIP) name and version,
— scaling (if applied),
— type of coating (if applied or simulated),
— time and date of last calibration,
— details of any special data preparation, and
— type of paper/structure simulation such as noise or patterning (if applied).
When making a proof from a PDF/X document, the margin information shall include the file name and
the date and time of the last modification and should include the document ID. When the document
ID is included, this shall be printed as two hex strings and the last five digits of each string should be
highlighted in some way in order to assist identification.
NOTE 2 In some cases of recalibration, it is useful to re-profile the proofer.
5 Test methods
5.1 Viewing conditions
Viewing of prints shall be in accordance with ISO 3664 P1 or P2 viewing condition.
5.2 Control strip
A CMYK digital control strip representing the printing condition to be simulated shall be printed on
every proof. The control elements identified in the list below should be included while keeping the
total number of patches within reasonable limits. To provide compatibility with characterization data,
as many control patches as possible should be selected from ink value combinations of ISO 12642-2.
Control patches shall be selected such that the following control patch types are covered:
a) solid tones of the chromatic primaries and their secondaries C,M,Y,R,G, and B (6 patches);
b) mid- and shadow tones of the chromatic primaries and their secondaries C,M,Y,R,G, and B (12
patches);
c) black (K) tone scale with a minimum of six steps that includes the solid;
d) a set of patches with CMY values chosen to match the colour of the patches defined in c) as closely
as possible;
e) selection of critical tertiary colours such as flesh tones, brown, aubergine, violet (e.g. 15 patches);
f) simulated print substrate colour of the production printing condition (1 patch);
g) solid tones of all spot colour inks used in the document.
NOTE 1 There are two practical definitions for grey which are sometimes contradictory: (i) a colour having
the same a* and b* CIELAB values as the print substrate; (ii) a colour having the same a* and b* CIELAB values
as a halftone tint of similar L* value printed with black ink. The latter definition is believed to be useful in the
midtone and upwards whereas the former is believed to work best with highlight tones.
8 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

NOTE 2 Grey balance patches composed of suitable CMY mixtures serve a useful purpose for quick visual checks
of whether the CMY tone values have changed, for example from one proof print to the next. A single grey balance
condition is usually not sufficient to ensure an achromatic colour for all print substrates and printing inks that are
used for a given printing condition. In addition, it usually depends on the particular black composition used.
The L* scale of the black is usually considerably greater than the three colour scale and care should be
taken to ensure that the patches described in c) and d) above are suitably spaced.
5.3 Additional test objects
5.3.1 Resolution
For the visual determination of the resolving power of the proofing process, the resolution charts S2
and S3 defined in ISO 12640-1 shall be used.
5.3.2 Primary and secondary process colours
For checks of the primary and secondary process colours (C, M, Y, K, M+Y, C+Y, C+M, and C+M+Y), a test
form comprising vignette targets such as the test image S6 of ISO 12640-1 should be used. The length
of the vignettes should be such that they are just below the length where less than smooth behaviour is
visible for normal production printing.
5.3.3 Resolving power
For checks on the resolving power, a test form comprising positive and reverse type of a non-serif Latin
font with text sizes of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 points and reverse lines with widths of 2, 3, and 4 points should
be printed both parallel and normal to the edge of the print (diagonal lines are not required). Three sets
of positive text should be printed using 100 % cyan, 100 % magenta and 100 % black. Reverse printing
should use 100 % black-only background with white knock-out. The same regular body text font should
be used for all cases and all instances of 2-point text should be legible and all instances of 2-point lines
should be visible.
NOTE This is simulation of the intended printing condition and press colourants are likely to be simulated
by a colorimetric emulation involving multiple colourants on the target device.
5.3.4 Uniformity
For checks on uniformity, create three prints, each with an even tint area that fills the printable format
of the proof printer, using the following tone value combinations:
a) C: 65 %, M: 50 %, Y: 50 %, K: 50 %;
b) C: 40 %, M: 30 %, Y: 30 %, K: 30 %;
c) C: 20 %, M: 15 %, Y: 15 %, K: 15 %.
NOTE The most popular format for proof printing is A3+.
5.4 Colour measurement
Colour measurements shall be made using an instrument (such as a spectrophotometer from which
colorimetric values can be calculated) that is capable of repeatedly producing measured values well
within the tolerances specified in this document. The measurement condition of the instrument should
be set to use the CIE Illuminant D50 and the 2° standard observer. The CIELAB colour coordinates L*,
a*, b* shall be calculated as detailed in ISO 13655. Characterization data representing a particular
measurement condition (M0, M1, or M2) shall be verified using an instrument configured to use this
same measurement condition.
Black or white backing shall be selected based on the opacity of the proofing substrate. Black and white
backing shall be in accordance with ISO 13655.
All colour measurements and computed colour differences shall be reported, accompanied by an
associated total uncertainty (using the coverage factor k = 1 as defined in ISO 15790). In addition, it
should include an estimate of the variation between different measurement instruments. The value
may be extracted from the manufacturer’s specification or from a certificate of calibration from the
manufacturer.
All colour measurements shall be rounded with the same precision as the defined tolerance value.
NOTE A colour difference of ∆E = 5,4 is rounded to 5 if the tolerance is defined as ∆E ≤ 5 and will be in
00 00
conformance. The same colour difference is not in conformance when the tolerance is stipulated as ∆E ≤ 5,0.
5.5 Measurement of gloss
The gloss of the substrate or ink set single ink solid areas should be measured with an incidence angle
of 75° as specified in ISO 8254-1 or 60° as specified in ISO 2813 and shall be classified into categories of
“matte”, “semi-matte” or “glossy” as follows:
a) 75° (see ISO 8254-1): Ma
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