By embracing the G7 Method of printing procedures, you can achieve much-desired color consistency.
For today's image and reputation conscious companies, a commitment to branding is an equal commitment to consistency. Color consistency matters perhaps more than anything.
The ability to match from proof to press repeatedly is crucial for the marketers who create materials, and for the production printers who produce them. So among your many output devices, be they offset, digital, or wide format, can you create a standard where color is consistently consistent?
The answer is yes, absolutely. And G7 is THE standard you should strive for.
G7 (Grayscale plus seven colors), an industry-leading set of specifications for achieving gray balance, utilizes a specific methodology for implementing ISO printing standards for matching colors. Effectively, G7 takes the subjectivity out of color consistency, and creates a standard that is purely objective.
Here’s a breakdown of G7 Calibration, courtesy of our friends at Idealliance:
- G7 is both a definition of grayscale appearance, and a calibration method for adjusting any CMYK imaging device to simulate the G7 grayscale definition.
- G7 is a method to ensure a similar appearance across multiple devices.
- G7 is used to consistently hit desired color targets.
- G7 is device independent. The G7 neutral print density curve (NPDC), gray balance definitions and calibration methodology are the same for any imaging technology, regardless of substrate, colorants, screening technologies, etc.
- G7 is designed to align all processes, substrates, and inks.
Implementing G7 takes time. And we fully understand that's something production managers are often strapped for. You're planning out work days weeks in advance. Maximizing output and personnel. Constantly taking inventory of media availability. And, of course, anticipating the unexpected.
However, the results, as well as the ability to ensure you're meeting not just deadlines, but specific color specifications for your brand-conscious clients, makes the process extremely worthwhile for production printers.
It's certainly a standard worth striving for. A reputable production print partner can certainly guide you through the process of making G7 a reality in your production room. Click the button below to schedule your appointment!
Interested in G7? Here's 4 tips for turning color consistency into a 'Yes!" in your print environment:
1. Get the lighting right.
D50 is the standard for lighting according to the ISO, and it’s not feasible or realistic to have D50 lighting throughout the organization. A light booth with standard D50 lighting is required for consistent viewing conditions.
2. Expect some initial downtime.
It's a dreadful proposal for any production manager ... even the thought of stopping production for any length of time. But doing so is crucial for assessing your current environment, and fully understanding what it would take for you to be G7 capable.
3. Know your bread and butter.
What are your core competencies when it comes to printing? Common job applications, and most common media applications? This lets your production partner know what reference print conditions you will be shooting for.
4. Be ready for training.
Concerned with lost productivity, we invest exorbitant amounts of money into equipment and throw users into the mix with little to no training. Your Production Print Partner can set up you up to G7 standards. But can you repeat the results?
Training your team is essential an essential component to repeatability.
Interested in learning more? Let's schedule an assessment to dig deeper into your production environment, and discuss ways to make G7 your own standard!
