Data Set Development - December 2025

This document describes the methods used to produce a characterized print condition (CPC). A CPC describes the color behavior of a printing device. A CPC can be used in 2 ways: as a “color management reference”, allowing that specific printing condition to be simulated on another output device and; as a set of numerical “aim values” to be used as a target for determining compliance. CPC aims may be used to gauge overall compliance and may also be used as process control aims during the print production process. CPC data can further be compared to industry-standard reference data, such as GRACoL and SWOP, to understand how close a print condition is to an existing industry standard. In some cases, printers may be using print processes or substrates that cannot meet acceptable tolerances for any existing industry-standard references. In these cases, users and organizations may wish to nominate their CPC to become a CRPC (Characterized Reference Print Condition). This document outlines the key steps to create a new CPC dataset, and includes the additional requirements for establishing the new CRPC dataset.

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Color characterization of a printing system - Version 1 – October 2011

This CGATS Recommended Industry Practice defines the key steps necessary to prepare a printing system for color characterization. It is not recommended for use by groups who are developing color characterization data sets that may be used by a broad industry segment. This report includes recommendations for: process setup, specifications, target selection, sheet evaluation, measurement and collection, and analysis.

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Color characterization data set development – Procedures for color measurement system process control and for inter-lab coordination - Version 1, March 2007

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance in setting up both a reflection measurement system and the process control necessary to ensure that the data reported is meaningful. Data produced by such a measurement system might include spectral reflectance, colorimetry, densitometry, and data derived from such measurements.

Guidance is also provided for those situations where data measured in multiple facilities is to be combined into a single database.

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Color characterization data set development – Analysis and reporting Version 1, March 2007

The objective of this CGATS Recommended Industry Practice is to define the key steps necessary to create color characterization data from press sheets collected from a press run associated with a specific defined printing condition. It includes recommendations for preliminary evaluation and sheet selection, data collection, data analysis, data consolidation and data reporting.

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Color characterization data set development -Press run guidelines

Version 1, August 2003

This CGATS Recommended Industry Practice defines the key steps necessary to prepare press sheets that can be measured to enable the creation of color characterization data for a given printing condition. This document assumes that process aim points have been established and validated, that printed results have been demonstrated to be repeatable and reproducible within agreed upon or specified tolerances, and that good manufacturing procedures are being followed.

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Sample Documentation Form for Offset Lithography

Extracted from Color characterization data set development – Press run guidelines
Version 1, August 2003