New in OpenColor 2.4

New in version 2.4.7.2449 - 29. September 2022

Resolved issues

This version provides higher stability and fixes several bugs. We recommend you to always install the latest GMG OpenColor version

The most important bugfixes:

• Faulty channel mapping for projects with white channel

  If a project contained a white channel, the synchronization between GMG OpenColor and GMG ColorProof did not work properly. For jobs with a dynamic profile, none of the GMG OpenColor channels were recognized anymore in that case.

• General instability and application crashes

  GMG OpenColor crashed sporadically when processing spot color data, measuring new characterizations or updating separation rules.

 

 

New in version 2.4.7 - August 3, 2022

Automatic patch notification

Always up to date: GMG OpenColor automatically notifies you if a new service update is available. You can then install the update directly from the application with just a few clicks.

Higher stability and performance when adding spot colors

When you add a new spot color, the related separation rules are updated even faster - while offering improved stability.

Adaptive color icons and LAB preview in the user interface

Keep a better overview of color adjustments and LAB values: all relevant icons in the user interface now visually reflect the set color values and synchronize automatically when changes are made. You can also read the current LAB values directly on the fly, without having to open the characterization or the project. Just hold the mouse pointer over the relevant color icon to show them via tooltip.

Resolved issues

This version provides higher stability and fixes several bugs. We recommend you to always install the latest GMG OpenColor version to benefit from all improvements.

The most important bugfixes:

Double-Byte OS: Loading measurement files from specific locations On Japanese, Korean, and Chinese operating systems, measurement files with double-byte characters in their path name could not be loaded into GMG OpenColor.

Program crash on recalculating separation rules

The app crashed when recalculating exisiting separation rules. Profiles that had been calculated incompletely up to that point were grayed out afterwards and displayed an error message. The error has been fixed, and all pending calculations will be automatically catched up the next time that you add a spot color and start the recalculation.

Errormessage: "Sync pending."

Inconsistent layouts upon manual test chart adjustments

When manually changing the test chart size, input via the arrow keys resulted in a different patch arrangement than direct input via the keyboard, although the same value was chosen.

Do you have pending calculations for older separation rules?
These calculations will be done automatically the next time you add a new spot color and start the separation rules update. The very first recalculation in this version may thus take a little longer. You can continue working during this time and follow the progress by looking at the main menu's tasks icon at the top right.

 

 

New in version 2.4.6 - February 08, 2022

Performance optimizations for large databases

Faster application response especially for larger databases (with hundreds of projects and profiles). This will increase response time, improve interaction, and facilitate an ease of use.

Calibration Creation Wizard for VersaUV LEC2-330 / LEC2-640

VersaUV LEC2 series is supported by GMG OpenColor to create color accurate and reproducible prototype proofs from GMG ColorProof version 5.13.2 on. Now, you will be able to create a custom calibration set and a corresponding output condition for GMG OpenColor fast and easy with the Calibration Creation Wizard for this printer.

For the creation of prototype proofs on virtually any substrate, GMG OpenColor is directly connected to GMG ColorProof and will deliver custom calibration sets and proof profiles. This enables a fast and easy creation of the color space based on spectral color information.

Automatic recalculation of Separation Rules

In previous versions of GMG OpenColor, you had to manually adjust separation rules when adding spot colors. When you now add a new spot color in the new version of GMG OpenColor, you will be asked whether you want the application to automatically recalculate all depending separation rules. In case you are using GMG ColorServer, the updated separation rules will be synchronized with your spot color libraries automatically in GMG ColorServer. This feature saves valuable time and ensures that all print products will use up-to-date color definitions, especially for users with several presses.

How the Separation Rules will be updated:

Simply add a new spot color to your spot color library (on characterization level) and don't worry about the rest anymore.

GMG OpenColor will notify you with the option to Update if the spot color library is used in at least one set of Separation Rules.

After you clicked Update, GMG OpenColor will automatically recalculate all depending Separation Rules.

GMG ColorServer will automatically synchronize all depending spot color libraries (in case the automatic synchronization has been activated in GMG ColorServer ).

This feature includes only the recalculation of Separation Rules. It does not affect the recalculation of profiles. The recalculation is triggered only when you change the scope of available spot colors in the spot color library (on characterization level), i.e. add a new spot color, delete a spot color, activate and deactivate a spot color. After changing colors on project level, you will still need to manually start the update.

Custom default settings for new spot colors

You can now predefine the Target Mode and Target Gradation that will be assigned to all new spot colors. This saves time, as you set the defaults once and that's it.

How to customize the settings:

As spot color characteristics depend on the printing technology and media type, you can predefine the Target Mode and Target Gradation for each combination of printing technology and media category.

Example: Default settings for new spot colors that will be added to a characterization of a Digital Printing process.

 

 

New in version 2.4.5 - November 16, 2021

View background tasks at any time

The Tasks dialog box shows the progress of tasks running in the background such as profile calculations. In previous versions of GMG OpenColor, you needed to close this dialog box before you could do anything else in the application. Now, you can leave it open and quickly have a glance at the tasks any time without interrupting your work.

The Tasks dialog box shows the current progress of profile calculations. You can still edit your projects or use any other function, for example, start another profile calculation. You can move it anywhere you like, for example, on a second screen. When you close GMG OpenColor, the Tasks dialog box will also be closed automatically.

 

 

New in version 2.4.3 - June 14, 2021

Create your own ColorBook to demonstrate your printing capabilities

A ColorBook printed on your press, with your ink configuration, and with the print mode and on the substrate actually used in print production, illustrates the range of colors you can produce better than anything else.

• Show a true and reliable reference to your customers.
• Decide which press and which substrate are best suited for a job.
• Use the ColorBook for process control in the press room.
• Optimize the print quality in line with the capabilities of each machine.

Paper structure simulation for proofing with GMG ColorProof

Use this advanced proofing feature to simulate the structure of materials with visible patterns such as recycled paper, corrugated cardboard, and textile on proof media. Paper structure simulation has already been available in GMG FlexoProof. Now all users of GMG OpenColor and GMG ColorProof will be able to benefit from this feature.

You can activate the option at the project level. The paper structure simulation will be automatically added to each proof profile (ContoneProof as well as DotProof) created for this project, including dynamic profiling.

You can also add a paper structure simulation directly to an already existing proof profile. Recalculation of the profile is not required.

GMG OpenColor will embed the selected Paper Pattern File into the calculated profile. GMG ColorProof will print the proof without any additional file required.

Limitation of this version: No support of TECHKON SpectroDens and Konica Minolta FD-9

GMG OpenColor does not support the measuring devices TECHKON SpectroDens and Konica Minolta FD-9 in this particular version. We are already working on a solution.

End-of-Service-Life: X-Rite i1 and X-Rite i1iO

GMG OpenColor will not support the measuring devices X-Rite i1 and X-Rite i1iO, which have already been taken out of production by X-Rite, anymore. Newer generations of the product, i.e. X-Rite i1Pro2 / X-Rite i1iO 2nd Generation, X-Rite i1Pro3 / X-Rite i1iO 3rd Generation, and X-Rite i1Pro3 Plus / X-Rite i1iO

 

 

New in version 2.4.2 - January 25, 2021

Improved usability of ink reduction for separation rules

Version 2.4.0 and 2.4.1 introduced new features for ink reduction when calculating separation rules. GMG OpenColor dynamically uses the minimum number of output inks for each individual color separation, depending on the option you select. The two separate options Reduce Number of Output Inks and Generate Preferably CMYK have now been unified to Controlled Ink Reduction. This simplifies the use of the feature and provides you with even more control on the ink usage.

See what has changed:

The option Generate Preferably CMYK introduced in 2.4.1 has simply been moved to the Controlled Ink Reduction options and will still work the same as before.

The previous options Moderate Reduction and As Few Inks As Necessary have been unified to Custom Reduction. For Custom Reduction, you can now set your own tolerance. In case you used one of the obsolete options to calculate separation rules, the selected option will be shown and might still be used. You will not be able to select one of the obsolete options if it is not already selected.

Enhanced gamut mapping for multicolor separation

When calculating new CMYK-to-Multicolor, Multicolor-to-Multicolor, and Multicolor-to-CMYK profiles, the mapping of colors between input and output color space has been greatly improved.

Connectivity to MeasureColor

Users of MeasureColor can now access the colors defined in GMG OpenColor via a direct connection and use them for process control.

The GMG OpenColor Connector enables MeasureColor software to import GMG OpenColor project colors including both process color (project inks) and spot color libraries. Imported colors may be saved in the MeasureColor libraries and used across multiple jobs where those colors will be measured in order to manage the quality of the print run.

Benefits:

• Use the same targets for proofing and print production control to ensure consistent and reliable print results.
• No extra work—target values are extracted from already existing profiles or spot color libraries.
• Save time and avoid error prone workarounds such as measuring target values from a proof.

List of projects on the connected (and selected) GMG OpenColor server in MeasureColor.

CMYK output intent ICC for separation profiles

When calculating a separation profile that includes CMYK channels, GMG OpenColor now automatically saves a CMYK output intent ICC profile within the profile. If the option Add PDF Output Intent is used in the PDF Processing template in GMG ColorServer, this ICC profile will be used as output intent in the output PDF.

Improved white ink handling for prototype proofing

For the creation of color accurate and reproducible prints on substrates close to production material, GMG ColorProof and GMG OpenColor support printers with white ink capabilities such as Epson SureColor SC-S80600. This version allows you to set the percentage of white ink used in the proof profile.

You can tune the opacity of the White ink with the White Ink Level.

Dot gain corrections for DotProof profiles

The Dot Gain Corrections feature you already know from contone proof profiles is now available for DotProof profiles as well. Save valuable time and resources and edit an existing profile instead of creating a new one.

Creating a DotProof profile can be quite an effort as optimizing the profile quality often requires several print outs and measurements of test charts. To avoid iterating a profile again from scratch, you will now be able to directly edit the color curves of the profile, for example, to match the halftone proof closer to the contone proof, or in case something in the printing process has slightly changed.

Just click the Edit button on the right side of the DotProof profile to apply Dot Gain Corrections.

The Dot Gain Corrections feature is available only for DotProof profiles created with the new GMG OpenColor version.

Updated default spot color libraries and new default projects

The new spot color libraries PANTONE® Solid Coated v4 and PANTONE® Solid Uncoated v4 are now available as standalone libraries in GMG OpenColor. Three new projects help new users to get started quickly.

Each project is already preconfigured in compliance to the official print standard, including the characterization data and the new spot color library PANTONE® Solid Coated v4.

You can use the projects right away to calculate proofing or separation profiles for these print standards. In GMG SmartProfiler, these projects can be used as input color spaces for profiling digital presses.

The previous sample projects have been removed from the installer, i.e. will not be installed anymore. If they are not in use, they will be removed from the database during the update. If a sample project is in use, it will not be removed. In this case, we recommend that you manually replace it with the corresponding new project.

The new spot color libraries PANTONE® Solid Coated v4 and PANTONE® Solid Uncoated v4 match the latest versions of PANTONE® Coated Uncoated formula guides. Previous versions of PANTONE PLUS coated and PANTONE PLUS uncoated in the database are considered outdated.

 

 

New in version 2.4.1 - October 20, 2020

Support of X-Rite i1Pro3 Plus and i1iO Generation 3 Plus Table

GMG OpenColor now fully supports the new measuring device from X-Rite. With a new larger aperture of 8 mm, it enables profiling of a broad range of substrates, especially substrates with uneven surfaces such as cardboard. It reduces color measurement variability with optional polarization capabilities (M3 measurement condition), minimizing gloss effects and reflections when measuring high-gloss media or prints with varnish.

You will be able to use X-Rite i1Pro3 Plus and i1iO Generation 3 Plus Table to measure color patches and test charts.

The large aperture results in large color patches (16 mm). As the test chart size is limited by the i1iO table, the number of test chart pages will be increased when using the i1iO table.

When the optional polarization filter is used, you will need to select the Device Type Plus-M3 to activate M3 measurement condition in GMG OpenColor. With the filter, the patch size is even larger (20 mm x 16 mm), resulting in larger test charts (manual measurement) or more pages (i1iO table).

Please refer to the manufacturer's website to learn more about the new device:

https://www.xrite.com/page/i1-pro-3-plus-family

DotProof support for Epson SC-Px500

GMG OpenColor now supports the creation of DotProof profiles for Epson SureColor SC-Px500 printers.

List of supported proofing conditions:

• GMG ProofPaper matte 140, 1200x1200 dpi 11c Matte Black
• GMG ProofMedia studio OBA matte 150, 1200x1200 dpi 11c Matte Black
• GMG ProofMedia premium semiMatte 250, 1200x1200 dpi 11c Photo Black
• GMG ProofMedia premium gloss 250, 1200x1200 dpi 11c Photo Black
• GMG ProofPaper semiMatte light, 1200x1200 dpi 11c Photo Black
• GMG ProofMedia premium OBA semiMatte 250, 1200x1200 dpi 11c Photo Black
• GMG ProofMedia studio OBA semiMatte 200, 1200x1200 dpi 11c Photo Black

For using DotProof profiles created in GMG OpenColor, you will need GMG ColorProof version 5.12.1.309 or higher.

Generate preferably CMYK to save costs

Create cost-saving spot color separations for multicolor digital presses with a new separation rules option.

If the option Generate Preferably CMYK is selected, colors will be separated into CMYK only, without the use of additional output inks, if the color deviation is not bigger than the set tolerance. Only if the deviation is bigger than the entered delta E, GMG OpenColor will use all available output inks.

This option has been changed in version 2.4.2.

New gamut mapping and separation settings

For CMYK-to-CMYK, CMYK-to-Multicolor, Multicolor-to-Multicolor, and Multicolor-to-CMYK, new gamut mapping algorithms and advanced separation settings will give you even more flexibility and control when creating a separation profile. The new feature set further enhances the functionality of the Separation Option license.

• High-quality color transformations matching the original colors as intended by the creator of the document
• Excellent and stable gray balance
• Full dynamic range of the shadows of the target color space
• Smart: If the difference between source and target color space is small, gamut mapping will not be applied automatically.

The Gray Adjustment to Target Media is important in cases where the target printing condition uses a substrate with a different white point than the output intent of the document. You can either preserve the original colors, thus "ignoring" the new paper tint, or adapt the design to the target paper tint.

Black Point Compensation (BPC) preserves image detail in the shadows by minimizing clipping in the shadows. You can decrease BPC to minimize changes to in-gamut colors in the shadows and to increase the saturation. Deactivate BPC if you need a color as deep black as possible or to avoid color shifts. For most Packaging applications, it is recommended to decrease BPC or set it to 0 to avoid any change of saturated or dark colors (with the risk of clipping).

Use Gamut Expansion to exploit the full available color space of your printer. Gamut Expansion is useful for all printers with a large color space, with CMYK only or with additional inks. Colors will be boosted to the edge of the available printer color space.

With the option Allow Additional Inks in Overprints, you can use additional inks for overprinting colors, even though the separation rules do not allow these inks for the single colors.

 

 

New in version 2.4.0.414 - July 09, 2020

Please follow the link to find out more about the PSR standard update: http://www.eci.org/en/colourstandards/gravure

New proofing conditions for Epson SC-Px000, Epson SC-Px500, HP Z3200

New proofing conditions allow the use of more GMG Calibration Sets in GMG ColorProof. This version supports new print modes for Epson SC-Px000 and Epson SC-Px500, as well as GMG ProofPaper matte 140 for HP Designjet Z3200.

List of new proofing conditions:

• Epson SC-Px500, GMG ProofPaper matte 140, GMG ProofMedia studio OBA matte 150, 1200x1200 dpi 11c Matte Black
• Epson SC-Px000, GMG ProofMedia studio OBA matte 150, 720x1440 dpi 10c Matte Black
• HP Designjet Z3200, GMG ProofPaper matte 140, 1200 dpi 10c Matte Black

Dynamically limit the number of output inks

With the new calculation option Reduce Number of Output Inks for Separation Rules, GMG OpenColor dynamically uses the minimum number of output inks for each individual color separation.

If you selected Moderate Reduction or As Few Channels as Necessary, GMG OpenColor will check for each color, whether it is possible to reduce the number of output inks without exceeding a delta E tolerance.

This option has been changed in version 2.4.2.

 

 

New in version 2.4 - June 18, 2020

Full support of digital printing processes

In addition to conventional printing technologies such as Gravure, Offset, and Flexo, GMG OpenColor does now fully support toner-based and inkjet digital printing technologies. Digital printers can now benefit from the award winning GMG OpenColor to calculate proof profiles and separation profiles.

GMG OpenColor is the first profiling software to accurately predict the overprinting behavior and color interplay with only a minimum of measurement data and test charts required. This is possible by combining spectral measurements with a patented prediction engine that applies mathematical models of printing processes to predict what will happen on the press. The centralized data management and the simple user interface make it easy for beginner and expert alike to create high-quality profiles.

With GMG ColorProof, you can easily create contract proofs on inkjet proofers. GMG ColorServer enables you to automate the separation and to calibrate your digital press. Separation profiles created in GMG OpenColor can also be used in the third party application PACKZ. GMG ColorPlugin extends the usage to Adobe Photoshop.

Support of X-Rite i1Pro3 and i1iO Generation 3 Table

GMG OpenColor now fully supports the new measuring device from X-Rite.

You will be able to use X-Rite i1Pro3 and i1iO Generation 3 Table to measure color patches and test charts.

Please refer to the manufacturer's website to learn more about the new device:

https://www.xrite.com/page/i1-pro-3-family

Access your project data over the browser using GMG OpenColor RemoteClient

With the new GMG OpenColor RemoteClient, you can access GMG OpenColor projects from any computer in your local network.

• Connect from any browser in your network
• Export target values from your GMG OpenColor projects
• Check spot color separation values upfront
• Monitor all profile calculations currently in progress

Keeping colors consistent throughout the entire creation and printing process is always a challenge for everyone involved, especially when spot colors are used in the design. Particularly in Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) or digital printing, an accurate separation of the print data is important. GMG OpenColor calculates the color definition that will provide the best match for each printing condition and with GMG OpenColor RemoteClient, all persons involved in the process can easily access that information.

All employees involved in the print job order management process can see exactly which inks are required to reproduce a specific spot color. Color matches and out-of-gamut colors, which cannot be accurately reproduced in the target printing process, can easily be checked and communicated upfront. Prepress operators can simply transfer percentage values from the Separation Rules defined in the project to their artwork editor, and printers can use exported target values of a project to use them in their press room tools for color control.

GMG OpenColor RemoteClient in a browser. GMG OpenColor RemoteClient will show all finalized and published projects. You can use the search bar to find a specific project.

Increased efficiency and ease of use for "separation only" projects

Up to now, you were required to calculate a proof profile even when using GMG OpenColor only for separation and not for proofing. From 2.4 on, you can skip this step and proceed directly with the separation after specifying the Printing Process Media, and Inks.

You can click Proceed to Separation to skip the Proofing Condition and Finalize steps and proceed directly with the separation.

Users with an OpenColor Separation Only license benefit most from this feature. In this case, the Proof tabbed page has been renamed to Press Condition. The Proofing Condition and Finalize steps will not be visible.

Prototype Proofing with Epson SureColor SC-S80600

To close the gap between traditional proofingand prototype creation Epson SureColor SC-S80600 driven by GMG ColorProof and GMG OpenColor is used to create color accurate and reproducible prints on substrates close to production material.

GMG OpenColor 2.4 offers the following preinstalled output conditions for use with JetComp films:

• Epson_SCS80600_JetComp8502ClearPoly-9c+W-Reverse-720x1440dpi
• Epson_SCS80600_JetComp8508MetallizedPoly-9c+W-720x1440dpi

You can use each output condition for ContoneProof as well as DotProof.

To allow the use of virtually any substrate, GMG ColorProof offers you a Calibration Creation Wizard. With this wizard, you will be able to create a custom calibration set and a corresponding output condition for GMG OpenColor fast and easy.

If you already used the Epson SureColor SC-S80600 before this version, please note the following: The new proofing conditions are compatible with the ones provided by the GMG team for import before this release. During the upgrade, the imported proofing conditions will be replaced with the new ones automatically. Already calculated proof profiles will not be invalidated by this procedure. You can use your existing projects and proof profiles as before. You will not be able to import the old proofing conditions anymore after the installation. Custom proofing conditions (created by the Calibration Creation Wizard) will be left unchanged.

Please note that using the Epson SureColor SC-S80600 requires the following applications and additional licenses:

• GMG ColorProof 5.10 or higher with Epson SC-S80600 Printer license and GMG OpenColor Output license
• GMG OpenColor Profiler Base license and version 2.1.5 or higher
• At least one GMG OpenColor Profiling Preset license (Offset, Flexo, Gravure, or Digital)
• GMG OpenColor Proofing license

Support of FOGRA offset print standards for FM screening

FOGRA offset characterizations for FM screening have been added to the database. This version now includes all FOGRA offset characterizations.

See which characterizations are new:

• PSO Coated NPscreen (43L)
• PSO Uncoated NPscreen (44L)

Please follow the link for more information: https://fogra.org/en/downloads/work-tools/characterisation-data

Support of Japan Color 2011 Coated

Characterization data for Japan Color 2011 Coated has been added to the database. You can now create custom separation profiles for this color space in GMG OpenColor and use it in GMG ColorServer. Of course, you can also create proof profiles for the output intent Japan Color 2011 Coated.

Support of Idealliance ECG test charts CMYKOGV for X-Rite i1Sis and i1Pro2

The new two test charts are based on the Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) characterization chart for use in characterizing and calibrating multicolor print processes. It was created by a subcommittee within the Idealliance Print Properties and Colorimetric Council as a part of the Idealliance Global ECG project.

See which test charts are new:

• Idealliance ECG Test Chart CMYKOGV Small v1 (2019) - i1Sis
• Idealliance ECG Test Chart CMYKOGV v1 (2019) - i1Sis
• Idealliance ECG Test Chart CMYKOGV Small v1 (2019) - i1Pro2

Please follow the link for more information: https://www.idealliance.org/ecg

You can start the measurement of printed test charts in GMG OpenColor right away. For printing, you can download the test chart as PDF from the GMG download area.

New HKS spot color libraries

HKS K and HKS N spot color libraries have been added to the database. You can now create custom separation rules from the libraries in GMG OpenColor and use them in GMG ColorServer. Of course, you can also use the spot colors in proof profiles.

Based on feedback from our customers, new spot color libraries including HKS K and HKS N will have the Target Mode set to Absolute, so that printed solids will match the swatch book, regardless of the print medium.

HKS K and HKS N spot color libraries include not only solids, but tints as well. The target tone value gradation of the colors has been set to a linear SCTV curve. You can see the tone value gradation when opening a duplicate of the spot color library and click the Color Corrections-button on the Tools Actions panel.

TAC and overprint behavior for separation rules

When calculating separation rules, the ink limit and the overprint behavior defined in the project are now taken into account. This prevents overinking and moiré effects in the print production.

You can define the Total Area Coverage and the overprint behavior under Screening and Usage in the Ink Settings dialog box in the project.

When calculating separation rules, the sum of the percentage values of all output colors will not exceed the Total Area Coverage.

Also, colors set to the same Screening Type will overprint only with solids. For example, if Cyan and Orange are set to Configuration 2, Cyan will only print with solid Orange and vice versa. This is indicated by the filled square icon in the Ink Settings. If colors are manually set to No Overprint, they will not overprint at all in the separation rules.

Existing separation rules will not be updated when the Total Area Coverage or overprint behavior in the Ink Settings are changed. There will be no information on inconsistencies. You will need to update separation rules manually by clicking the Reset Calculation-button in the Edit Separation Rules dialog box.

Support of Windows Server 2019

You can now update your server to the latest version of the server operating system by Microsoft. GMG OpenColor 2.4 was thoroughly tested on this operating system and officially supports it.