How does the color management work?

When you set up a printer in GMG ColorProof, the software automatically displays all supported media and media sizes for that printer. Each printer–medium combination is reflected by a calibration set which is linked to proof standards and spot color sets, acting like a hub.

A calibration set contains all files and data required to calibrate a specific printer–medium configuration for all supported measuring devices. In other words, a single calibration set usually includes multiple printer calibrations—one per measuring device—while still representing the same physical printer and medium. A single calibration set is typically linked to multiple proof standards, such as ISO Coated v2 (39L). This reflects an important principle in GMG ColorProof: A printer–medium combination needs to be calibrated only once to accurately proof many different print standards.

Proof standards define how a target printing condition is simulated. They contain the actual proof profiles, depending on the color-management approach used (Contone or DotProof). In the Database view, proof standards are listed separately for each printer–medium combination. When you open a proof standard, you can see all calibration sets that are supported by it.

Spot color sets are also linked to calibration sets. This ensures that spot color optimization and simulation are always performed in the context of a properly calibrated printer–medium configuration, maintaining consistency with the rest of the color-management workflow.

From color data to ink on paper

Color management in GMG ColorProof optimizes image data for the printer’s color space using the selected proof standard. Each MX DeviceLink profile within a proof standard is calculated to precisely simulate a specific target printing condition on:

• a defined proof printer

• a specific proof medium

• a specific ink set

Once color optimization is complete, the printer calibration separates the color data into the individual inks used by the printer and passes this data to the printer driver. The driver then converts the information into a binary firing pattern—essentially a Yes/No decision for each nozzle—defining where ink is deposited on the medium.

Why calibration is critical

The quality gains achieved through DeviceLink profiles only make sense if the printer–medium combination is regularly calibrated. GMG’s core principles—standardization and repeatability—depend on keeping printers within tight tolerances.

Consistent calibration and recalibration ensure that proof results remain stable over time, across devices, and between production runs—making reliable contract proofing possible in real-world production environments.