Create a characterization

A characterization is the basis for calculating OpenColor profiles and can either be measured or imported from existing data.

GMG OpenColor is designed to deliver accurate results even when only limited data is available. Its powerful prediction engine intelligently compensates for any missing information, ensuring the best possible profile quality from whatever data you can provide.

Levels of characterization and their impact on color accuracy:

• A full characterization involves printing a comprehensive test chart that includes all process inks, spot colors, tints, and relevant overprints.This chart should be printed by the production printer using the same media and parameters as the actual print run. You can send ready-to-use GMG test charts to the printer or you can use GMG OpenColor to create a custom test chart tailored to the specific design and ink setup of your print product.
• If a full test chart is not feasible, the printing company can integrate a mini strip—a compact set of color patches—into the print form. It is recommended to include several tints of all process colors along with key overprinted spots. This approach provides a simplified yet valuable fingerprint of the print process.
• Without test chart: In cases where no characterization data can be obtained from the printer, you can still work with the final printed product itself. For such cases, you have the possibility to measure colors from the printed sheet or from the standard process control strips. You can also combine a full characterization of the process colors with a quick measurement of a spot color.
• Spot color library: GMG OpenColor includes comprehensive PANTONE® libraries within its database and also supports spot colors from other manufacturers. Whenever possible, it is recommended to measure spot colors from the printed sheet to ensure optimal accuracy and alignment with real production conditions.

Create a characterization by measuring prints

1. Click + New characterization in the toolbar.
2. Enter a Name.
3. Select the Printing Process and select the Media.
4. Click Measure to measure a test chart. A new tab will open.
   
5. Define the Source, the Test Chart and the connected Measuring Device.
6. Click Start Measurement and calibrate the measurement device.
   
7. After measuring all the patches, click Save. 

Import a characterization

1. Click + New Characterization in the toolbar.
2. Enter a name.
3. Select the Printing Process and select the Media.
4. Click Import to load measurement data in one of the following formats: txt, cxf, pdf, mx4, icc, db3
   
5. Measure and/or import additional colors if required - apply a measurement correction if desired.
6. Click Save and Convert to Characterization.

Please note:

• The fewer measurement data you can provide, the more important it is for you to feed in correct parameters (printing process, media characteristics, print order) as the profile calculation will rely more on the GMG OpenColor prediction engine. 
  If you provide a full characterization with relevant overprints, the entered parameters will have less effect on the outcome.
• A proof will be closer to the target print if you use your own measurements taken from strips or test charts that have been printed with your actual printing condition and ink, including ink ramps or overprinting information instead of factory default data (standard project or spot color databases provided by manufacturers).

See also:

• Measurement correction
• Lab-to-Spectral: Create a characterization from an MX4 proof profile