INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD

ISO
12647-7
Third edition
2016-11-15

Graphic technology — Process control
for the production of halftone colour
separations, proof and production
prints —

Part 7:

Proofing processes working directly

from digital data

Technologie graphique — Contrôle des processus de confection de
sélections couleurs tramées, d’épreuves et de tirages —
Partie 7: Processus d’épreuve travaillant directement à partir de
données numériques

Reference number
ISO 12647-7:2016(E)
© ISO 2016


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

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© ISO 2016, Published in Switzerland

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part o f this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
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written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country o f

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www.iso.org

ii

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

Page

Contents

Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ iv


Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. v

1
2
3
4

Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Normative references ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Terms and definitions ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Requirements .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

4.1
4. 2

4.3

5

Colour difference measurements ............................................................................................................................................ 3
f
............................................................................................................................................... 3
....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
f
............................................................................................................................................................. 3
4.2.3 Screen angle ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
4.2.4 Dot shape ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
4.2.5 Halftone proofs screening ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Proof print................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

4.3.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
................................................................................................................ 4
4.3.3 Colouration of printed parts .................................................................................................................................. 4
4.3.4 Gamut ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
f
..................................................................... 5
............................................................................................................................ 6
f
f
4.3.7 Colourant rub resistance .......................................................................................................................................... 6
4.3.8 Ink set gloss .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.3.9 Tone value reproduction limits ........................................................................................................................... 7
4.3.10 Reproduction of vignettes ........................................................................................................................................ 7
4.3.11 Image register and resolving power ............................................................................................................... 7
4.3.12 Margin information ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
D ata files , s imulatio n o

s creens

4. 2 . 1

D ata delivery

4. 2 . 2

S creen

4. 3 . 2

Pro o fing s ub s trate co lo ur and glo s s


4. 3 . 5

Permanence o

4. 3 . 6

Rep eatab ility o

requency

p ro o fing s ub s trate and p rinted p arts
p ro o

p rinting

Test methods ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

5.1
5.2
5.3

Viewing conditions .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Control strip .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Additional test objects ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.3.1 Resolution .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
..................................................................................................... 9
5.3.3 Resolving power ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
f

5.4 Colour measurement ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.5 Measurement of gloss .................................................................................................................................................................... 10
5.6 Visual appraisal of proof-press-print matches ......................................................................................................... 10
Annex A (normative) Technical requirements for proofing con formity ...................................................................... 11
Annex B (normative) Rub resistance of the proof colourant ................................................................................................... 15
Annex C (normative) Outer gamut patches ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Annex D (informative) Organizational certification routines for visual appraisal o f proo f5 .3 .2

Primary and s eco ndary p ro ces s co lo urs

5 .3 .4

Uni o rmity

print press-print matches ........................................................................................................................................................................ 21

Bibliography ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

iii


ISO 1 2 647-7: 2 01 6(E)

Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards

bodies (ISO member bodies). The work o f preparing International Standards is normally carried out

through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical

committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters o f
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
di fferent types o f ISO documents should be noted. This document was dra fted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some o f the elements o f this document may be the subject o f
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identi fying any or all such patent rights. Details o f
any patent rights identified during the development o f the document will be in the Introduction and/or

on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).

Any trade name used in this document is in formation given for the convenience o f users and does not

constitute an endorsement.

For an explanation on the meaning o f ISO specific terms and expressions related to con formity assessment,

as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 130, Graphic technology.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 12647-7:2013), which has been
technically revised with the following changes:

— a number o f anomalies identified by industry experts have been addressed;
— substrate selection and measurement specification has been modified to reflect industry practice;

— approximately equivalent CIEDE2000 colour di fference values have been added;
— basic support for spot inks has been added;
— wording has been updated to reflect current terminology and industry thinking.

A list of all parts in the ISO 12647 series can be found on the ISO website.

iv

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

Introduction
I S O 1 2 6 47-1 s er ve s to provide defi n ition s , the genera l pri ncip le s , the genera l order, the materia l to b e
covere d i n I S O 1 2 6 47-2 to I S O 1 2 6 47- 8 , the defi n ition o f the d ata, the me as u rement cond ition s , and the
rep or ti ng s tyle .
T h i s do c ument relate s to the s ubj e c t o f d igita l pro o fi ng a nd e s tabl i s he s pro o fi ng re qui rements

most demanding part of the printing and publishing market.

T h i s do c ument s p e c i fie s ai m va lue s (or s e ts o f ai m va lue s) and tolera nce s
s p e ci fie d i n I S O 1 2 6 47-1

for

for

for


the

the pri ma r y p ara me ters

d igita l pro o f pri nti ng. P ri mar y p arame ters that defi ne a pri nti ng cond ition

include screening parameters (where applicable), the colours of the solids, the colour of the print
f
methods for those properties of digital proof prints and their substrates that are considered relevant
s ub s trate, colou rs o

for

i nterme d iate ti nt va lue s and the tone c u r ve . T h i s do c ument a l s o s p e ci fie s te s t

s table and rel iable pro o fi ng cond ition s , and thu s

for

a cer ti fic ation pro ce du re .

T he graph ic te ch nolo g y i ndu s tr y ma ke s e xten s ive u s e o f pro o fi ng to pre d ic t the renderi ng o f d igita l data
fi le s b y a wide varie ty o f h igh- defi n ition, h igh- qua l ity o ff-pre s s pri nti ng pro ce s s e s and appl ic ation s .
E ach pre d ic tion i s b a s e d on a cha rac teri z ation d ata s e t that defi ne s a p a r tic u l ar pri nti ng cond ition .

Typic a l ly, the s p e c i fie d pri nti ng cond ition i s defi ne d th rough a n I nternationa l C olor C on s or tiu m (I C C )
pro fi le or the a s s o ci ate d ch arac teri z ation data s e t, b o th o f wh ich relate s ou rce data and colori me tric
va lue s o f the pri nte d colour. Such data may b e derive d

from


pri nti ng cond ition s con form i ng to the

p er ti nent pro ce s s s ta ndard o f the I S O 1 2 6 47 s erie s b y i ndu s tr y trade group s or i nd ividua l s .
T he pur p o s e o f a pro o f pri nt i s to s i mu late the vi s ua l charac teri s tics o f the fi n i she d pro duc tion pri nt
pro duc t as clo s ely as p o s s ible . I n order to vi s ua l ly match a p a r tic u lar pri nti ng cond ition, pro o fi ng
pro ce s s e s re qu i re a s e t o f p a rame ters to b e s p e ci fie d that a re no t ne ce s s ari ly identic a l to tho s e put

for ward

i n I S O 1 2 6 47-1 or ano ther p a r t o f I S O 1 2 6 47. T h i s i s c au s e d by d i fference s i n colou ra nt s p e c tra

or phenomena s uch as glo s s , l ight s c atter (with i n the pri nt s ub s trate or the colou rant) , a nd tran s p a renc y.
I n s uch c a s e s , it i s a l s o

found

that s p e c tro colori me tr y ta ke s pre ce dence over den s itome tr y.

Another problem area is the matching of a double-sided production print on a lightweight printing
substrate, such as often used in heat-set web and publication gravure printing, to a digital proof on
f
f
measurements with white backing, there will be an unavoidable visual and measurable difference
between the proof on the one hand and the production print placed on black on the other hand. A
f
in the pertinent parts of ISO 12647. The possible occurrence of such differences needs to be well
communicated, in advance, to all parties concerned.
a ne arly op aque s ub s trate . I


black b acki ng i s

re qu i re d

the pro o

wa s pro duce d u s i ng a colour ma nagement pro fi le b as e d on

or double - s ide d pro duc tion pri nti ng on non- op aque

pri nts ,

as

s p e ci fie d

H i s toric a l ly, there h as b e en no con s i s tenc y i n the way th at either the cha rac teri z ation data or the
criteri a and l i m its

for

a s ati s fac tor y match have b e en provide d . T h i s ha s le d to s ign i fic a nt re du nda nc y

and i ncon s i s tencie s i n the eva luation o f pro o fi ng s ys tem s

for

d i fferent, but s i m i la r, appl ic ation s , and a

co s t and ti me bu rden on the i ndu s tr y. T h i s do c u ment there fore attemp ts to provide gu ida nce i n th i s

are a b y provid i ng s p e ci fic ation s and a s s o ci ate d te s ti ng pro ce du re s .

Annex A

s u m mari z e s the re qu i rements

for

the d igita l pro o f pri nts l i s te d i n the mai n b o dy o f th i s

do c u ment; the s e are weighte d with re s p e c t to thei r releva nce i n th re e typic a l s ituation s:

—

re qu i rements with wh ich a pro o f pri nt, made

for

a p ar tic u la r pri nti ng cond ition, mu s t comply i f it

i s to b e re ference d i n a contrac t b e twe en the pri nter and the provider o f the d igita l data (C er ti fie d
P ro o f C re ation) ;

—

re qu i rements with wh ich a vendor ’s pro o fi ng s ys tem, compri s i ng hardware and s o ftware, mu s t
comply i f it i s to b e con s idere d c ap able o f rel i ably pro duci ng d igita l contrac t pro o fs

for


a p a r tic u lar

pri nti ng cond ition (C er ti fie d P ro o fi ng Sys tem) ;

—

re qu i rements with wh ich a pro o f pri nt made

for

a p ar tic u lar pri nti ng cond ition mu s t comply when

te s te d i n the field u s i ng on ly a control we dge (C er ti fie d Field P ro o f ) .

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

v


ISO 1 2 647-7: 2 01 6(E)

for

I S O 1 2 6 47- 8 defi ne s re qui rements

va l idation pri nts . B e c au s e data a re exchange d ele c tron ic a l ly

and vi s ua l i z ation s o f tho s e data a re pro duce d at mu ltiple s ite s , there i s a marke t ne e d
re qu i rements


for

va l idation

pri nts

to

promo te

a

de gre e

o f con s i s tenc y

for

th roughout the

defi ne d

workflow.

Va l idation pri nts are i ntende d to b e u s e d at e arly s tage s o f the pri nt pro duc tion workflow, p a r tic u larly
at the do c u ment de s ign s tage a nd have le s s s tri ngent re qu i rements , p ar tic u larly on colou r fidel ity, to
a l low thei r pro duc tion on le s s el ab orate a nd le s s co s tly device s th an are re qui re d

Va l idation
pre d ic ti ng


pri nts
colou r

are
on

no t i ntende d
pro duc tion

to

replace

pri nti ng

“contrac t pro o fs ”

device s .

It

is

as

e xp e c te d

s p e ci fie d
that


the

for

in

contrac t pro o fs .

th i s

do c ument

mo d i fic ation s

of

for
the

requirements for both contract proofs and validation prints, along with the requirements for contract
pro o fs , wi l l conti nue i n the

vi

future

as i ndu s tr y re qu i rements and i magi ng te ch nolo gie s develop .

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved



INTERNATIONAL STANDARD

ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

Graphic technology — Process control for the production
of halftone colour separations, proof and production
prints —

Part 7:

Proofing processes working directly from digital data
1 Scope
This

do c ument

pro o f pri nts

s p e ci fie s

i ntende d

to

re qu i rements
s i mu late

a


for

s ys tem s

pri nti ng

th at

cond ition

are

used

defi ne d

by

to
a

pro duce

set

hard- cop y

d igita l


o f ch arac teri z ation

data .

Recommendations are provided with regard to appropriate test methods associated with these
requirements.
2 Normative references
T he

fol lowi ng

do c u ments are re ferre d to i n the tex t i n s uch a way th at s ome or a l l o f thei r content

con s titute s re qu i rements o f th i s do c u ment. For date d re ference s , on ly the e d ition cite d app l ie s . For
u ndate d re ference s , the late s t e d ition o f the re ference d do c ument (i nclud i ng a ny amend ments) appl ie s .

ISO 187, Paper, board and pulps — Standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing and procedure for
monitoring the atmosphere and conditioning of samples

ISO 2813, Paints and varnishes — Determination of gloss value at 20°, 60° and 85°
ISO 3664, Graphic technology and photography — Viewing conditions
ISO 8254-1, Paper and board — Measurement ofspecular gloss — Part 1: 75° gloss with a converging beam,
TAPPI method

ISO 12040, Graphic technology — Prints and printing inks — Assessment of light fastness using filtered
xenon arc light

ISO 12639, Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — Tag image file format for image
technology (TIFF/IT)


ISO 12640-1, Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — Part 1: CMYK standard colour image
data (CMYK/SCID)
ISO 12642-2, Graphic technology — Input data for characterization of 4-colour process printing — Part 2:
Expanded data set

ISO 13655, Graphic technology — Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation
arts images

for graphic

ISO 15397:2014, Graphic technology — Communication of graphic paper properties
3 Terms and definitions
For the purpo ses o f this do cument, the terms and definitions given in

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

ISO 12647-1

and the

fol lowing apply.

1


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at />— ISO Online browsing platform: available at />3.1
chromatic primaries

c ya n, magenta and yel low pro ce s s i n ks

3.2
CIELAB chromaticness difference
Δ Ch
d i fference b e twe en two colours o f approxi mately the s ame l ightne s s proj e c te d onto a con s ta nt l ightne s s

plane in the CIELAB colour space

N o te 1 to entr y: T h i s i s c a lc u l ate d a s

∆C h = ) ( CIE a 1 − CIE a 2 ) 2 +( CIE b1 − CIE b2 ) 2

.

3.3
digital proof
s o ft- cop y pro o f or ha rd- cop y pro o f pro duce d d i re c tly

from

d igita l data, on a d i s p lay or a s ub s trate,

re s p e c tively

3.4
digital proof print
digital hard-copy proof
digital proof
) pro duce d a s


(3.3

a refle c tion copy on a

proo fing substrate

(3.5)

3.5
proofing substrate
pri nti ng s ub s trate u s e d

for

ha rd- cop y pro o fi ng pro ce s s e s

3.6
halftone proof
pro o f pri nt made u s i ng the s ame s c re en i ng te ch nolo g y ( genera l ly centre -weighte d h a l ftone do ts) a s the

intended production printing

N o te 1 to entr y: T h i s i s done to attemp t to pro duce (a nd there fo re che ck

fo r

the e xi s tence o f ) the s a me s c re en i n g

artefacts, such as rosettes, moiré, or aliasing patterns, as expected in the corresponding production print. One

p o s s ibi l ity i s to b a s e p ro o fi n g o n the b itm ap p ro duce d o n the p ro duc tion p l ate or fi l m s e tter.

3.7
primaries
s e t o f pro ce s s i n ks: c yan, magenta, yel low a nd black

3.8
print stabilization period

time elapsed since the production of a proof print until a stable colour is achieved
N o te 1 to entr y: T h i s pro p er ty i s to b e s p e c i fie d b y the m a nu fac tu rer.

3.9
spot colour inks

inks which are not part of the set of process inks
N o te 1 to entr y: Sp o t colou r i n ks a re o ften u s e d when pr i nti n g b ra nd co lo u rs .

2

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

4 Requirements
4.1 Colour difference measurements
In previous revisions o f this document, CIELAB 1976 colour di fference measurements (Δ E*ab)

used as detailed in ISO 13655 for normative colour difference measurements.


were

Con formance with this document requires the reporting o f all colour di fferences as CIEDE2000 (Δ E00 ).

The relationship o f Δ E*ab to Δ E00 varies throughout the colour space and there is no simple correlation
between the two metrics. Users are advised that some proofs that are in conformance with ISO 12647-7:2013

NOTE

may not be in con formance with this document and that some proo fs that are in con formance with this document
may not be in con formance with ISO 12647-7:2013.

4.2

4.2.1

Data files, simulation o f screens

Data delivery

Digital proofing systems should accept digital data delivered as PDF/X data files as defined in ISO 15930
(all parts) or TIFF/IT files as defined in ISO 12639. Where TIFF/IT files are used, colour in formation
shall be included using tag 34675 or tag 34029 as defined in ISO 12639.
PDF/X requires that the intended printing condition be indicated. Where the intended printing condition
is included in the registry o f characterizations maintained by the International Color Consortium (ICC)
and the digital data are cyan-magenta-yellow-black (CMYK), the name used in the ICC registry is usually
used for identification in lieu o f including an ICC output profile. I f the intended printing condition is not
included in said registry, PDF/X requires that an ICC output profile be included. I f the data are other
than CMYK, the data are required to be defined colorimetrically using an ICC input profile or another

mechanism and an ICC CMYK output profile is required to be included; the rendering intent to be used
with the output profile is required to be communicated.

4.2.2

Screen frequency

Halftone proofs should have the same screen frequencies (screen rulings) as the production press print
to be simulated within a tolerance of ±3/cm.
4.2.3

Screen angle

Halftone proofs should have the same screen angles (with a tolerance of ±3°) as the production print to
be simulated.
4.2.4

Dot shape

Halftone proofs should have the same general dot shape as the production print to be simulated.
4.2.5

Halftone proofs screening

Where hal ftone proo fs are used and the screen frequency, screen angle or dot shape are di fferent from

that of the production press to be simulated, these differences shall be reported.
4.3 Proof print
4.3.1


General

When evaluating and communicating proofing substrate properties, the list o f required criteria for

communication described in ISO 15397 should be followed.
© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

3


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

4.3.2

Proofing substrate colour and gloss

In an ideal situation, the digital proofing substrate should be the same as the substrate to be used for
production printing. As this ideal situation is seldom possible, the digital proofing substrate shall fulfil

all of the following criteria.

a) The gloss level o f both the printing substrate and proofing substrates shall be estimated as one o f
matte, semi-matte or glossy either by the substrate manu facturer or by measuring as described in
5.5 . Matte proofing substrates shall not be used to make proofs for glossy printing substrates and
glossy proofing substrates shall not be used to make proo fs for matte printing substrates.
b) The white point o f the unprinted proofing substrate shall allow a colorimetric match o f the

substrate of the intended printing condition to be simulated with a colour difference of less than or
equal to 3,0 Δ E00 units when measured according to ISO 13655.


To assure a white point match, the proofing substrate should have a CIEL* value that is higher than the

substrate of the printing condition to be simulated.

c) The proofing substrate should belong to the same fluorescence classification as the production
paper. Fluorescence classification in four levels o f faint, low, moderate, and high shall be made

using the testing procedures described in ISO 15397:2014, 5.12.

NOTE

Fluorescence as defined in ISO 15397 is calculated by measuring D65 brightness evaluated as per

ISO 2470-2 with UV included (UV) and UV excluded (UVex) and taking the ratio UV/UVex (see ISO 15397 for
details). Usual categories for fluorescence are faint, low, moderate and high. In practice, it is o ften use ful to add
an OBA free category in which case the faint category is split into OBA free and faint. The categories and ranges

for each are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 — Fluorescence categories and ranges
Category name

OBA free
Faint
Low
Moderate
High
4.3.3

Range


0 ≤ OBA free ≤ 1
1 < faint ≤ 4
4 < low ≤ 8
8 < moderate ≤ 14
14 < high ≤ 25

Colouration of printed parts

The measurement conditions shall be as specified in 5.4; the digital control strip specified in 5.2 and an

ISO 12642-2 compliant chart shall be used.
The CIELAB colour coordinates of the process colour solids shall agree with the pertinent aim values
o f the printing condition to be simulated as given by the data (see 4.2.1), within 3,0 Δ E00 units. The
CIELAB metric hue di fference for CMY shall not exceed 2,5.

The variability o f the colouration across the proo f print format is limited by the provision that the
colours o f nine measurement locations evenly spaced on the test objects (see 5.3.4), which have been
printed without prior modification in view o f the printing condition, shall have the following:

— a standard deviation of less than 0,5 each for values of L*, a *, and b*;

— a maximum o f 2,0 Δ E00 units between the average value and any one point.

The CIELAB colour coordinates o f the control patches, defined in 5.2 or ISO 12642-2, shall agree with
the pertinent aim values o f the printing condition to be simulated as given by the data (see 4.2.1) within
the tolerances specified in Table 2.

4


© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)
I f the proofing conditions are such that the simulation o f the production printing substrate requires
overprinting o f the proofing substrate, the maximum colour di fference between the overprinted
proofing substrate and the production printing substrate shall be less than or equal to 3,0 Δ E00 units.

Table 2 — Additional tolerances for control patches
Control patch description

All patches specified in 5.2 except spot colour ink patches
A CMY overprint scale roughly replicating the neutral scale for an average
printing condition comprising a minimum o f five patches spaced
approximately uni form intervals across the tone scale

All patches of ISO 12642-2

All spot colour ink solid patches specified in 5.2

Tolerance
Maximum Δ E00 ≤ 5,0
Average Δ E00 ≤ 2,5
Maximum Δ Ch ≤ 3,5
Average ΔCh ≤ 2,0
Average Δ E00 ≤ 2,5
95th percentile ΔE 00 ≤ 5,0
Maximum Δ E00 ≤ 2,5

NOTE 1 The tolerances pertain to the deviation of the proof values from the values of the characterization data of the

printing condition to be simulated.
The specification o f Δ E00 tolerances lower than 2,5 is presently not practical due to poor inter-model agreement; however,

when the same instrument is being used to make both sets of measurements, it is recommended that the tolerances be halved.
I f the final proo f print is subjected to sur face finishing, the final colours might deviate significantly from those o f the
unfinished print. In this case, a new proo fer or simulation profile or other adjustments are required.
Spot colour ink solid patches should be clearly identified by the CIELAB colour o f the solid spot ink on the print substrate.
There is no standard way to communicate the intended colour o f a tint o f a spot ink and so communication o f spot ink tint
aim values and tolerances shall be determined by a separate agreement between participants, for example by means o f a
physical re ference sample.
NOTE 2 Previous versions o f this document used the metric Δ H which is very unstable for di fferences close to the neutral
axis and so this has been replaced by chromaticness di fference Δ Ch which provides a more reliable measure.

4.3.4

Gamut

The 226 outer gamut patches of ISO 12642-2 shall be proof printed. The average colour difference
between actual and aim values for those patches shall not exceed 2,5 Δ E00 units. See Annex C for the list
of outer gamut patches of ISO 12642-2.
Where multiple printing conditions are supported by a proo f printer, this test may be applied to ensure
that the proo f printer colour gamut is su fficiently large to allow all printing conditions to be supported
e ffectively.
Solid and a representative set o f tints, including at least a 50 % tint where a definition is available, o f all

spot colours to be simulated shall be proof printed. The maximum colour difference between actual and

aim values for those patches shall not exceed 2,5 Δ E00 units.

NOTE

ISO 17972-4 defines an exchange format (CxF/X-4) for spectral measurement data o f inks to provide
a means to characterize spot colour inks to allow reliable printing and proofing o f products that have been

designed using these inks.

Spot colours which cannot be simulated by the proofing system, such as when they are out o f gamut or
where special inks are used, shall be identified and proo fs should be accompanied by a physical sample

of the required colour.
4.3.5

Permanence o f proofing substrate and printed parts

Four copies o f a test form shall be prepared on the proofing substrate which contains unprinted parts

and patches of printed primaries and secondaries both as solids and as midtones. Combinations of all
than four colourants.
o f the process colours used by the proofing system shall be included in this set which may include more

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

5


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

The four copies of the test form shall be stored for a print stabilization period of at least 24 h in the
dark under standard atmosphere according to ISO 187 (at 23 °C ± 1 °C and a relative humidity o f
50 % ± 2 % RH).
The CIELAB colour values o f the proofing substrate and the printed patches shall be measured according


to ISO 13655 M1.
Each of the four copies of the test form shall be subjected to one of the following storage conditions:
a) 24 h at 25 °C ± 1 °C and at a relative humidity o f 25 % ± 2 % in the dark;
b) 24 h at 40 °C ± 1 °C and a relative humidity o f 80 % ± 2 % in the dark;
c) 1 week at 40 °C ± 1 °C and at a relative humidity o f 10 % ± 2 % in the dark;

d) light fastness exposure using a window glass filtered xenon lamp with a level o f exposure o f the

test form corresponding to a light fastness rating of 3 using the blue wool test as described in
ISO 12040. Fading of blue wool reference 3 (Acid blue 83) should be used to check the dose.
For each of these treatments, for the substrate and for all patches of the test form, the maximum colour
di fference between colour values o f the patches be fore and a fter the treatment shall not exceed 2,5 Δ E00
units and should not exceed 2,0 Δ E00 units. For matte substrates (see 4.3.2 and 5.5), these tolerances
shall be relaxed to 4,0 Δ E00 .
Prints with rough sur faces are generally more susceptible to fading but in some cases having a proo f

with a surface that is similar to that of the production print is more important than having a light fast
surfaces.

proo f and so these tolerances shall be reduced to allow the use o f proo fs with mechanically rough

The reader should be aware that production printing substrates and inks are usually less stable than
typical inkjet-based proofing substrates and inks, see Re ference [12]. It is therefore recommended to
apply this permanence test to proo fs on production printing substrates i f the li fetime o f such proo fs is
o f any concern.
NOTE
It is anticipated that window glass application as described in ISO 105-B02, e.g. optical filters, be
fitted to minimize short-wavelength light (less than 310 nm).
4.3.6


Repeatability of proof printing

The variability o f the proo f print primary and secondary colour solids and primary colour midtone
patches from one day to the following shall not exceed a colour di fference o f 2,0 Δ E00 units. Patches
should be measured by the same instrument and at the same position on the sheet a fter the vendorspecified warming-up period and, i f necessary, recalibration.
4.3.7

Colourant rub resistance

Using the test apparatus and method specified in Annex B , the time required by printed solids to reach
mechanical stability against a rubbing action should not exceed 30 min or the print stabilization period,

whichever is longer. This test shall be performed for each combination of materials and operating
conditions that the proofing system supports.

NOTE A period of 30 min was chosen because this is believed to represent the expectation of the average
user. Where the colour (as distinct from the rub resistance of the colourant) takes longer to stabilize, this
requirement can be relaxed.

6

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

4.3.8

Ink set gloss


T he glo s s o f s ol id tone colours s hou ld b e vi s ua l ly s i m i lar to th at o f the pro duc tion pri nt to b e s i mu late d .
T he i n k s e t glo s s may b e s p e ci fie d i f de eme d ne ce s s ar y; the me tho d s p e c i fie d i n

5.5 shall be used.

I f the glo s s o f the pro o f p ri nt i s s ub s ta ntia l l y ch a n ge d b y the app l ie d colou ra nts , a s u r face -fi n i s h i ng

NO TE

step might improve the situation. See 4.3.2.

4.3.9

Tone value reproduction limits

Tints intermediate between the (simulated) substrate white and solid shall transfer onto the proof in
a consistent and uniform manner over a tone value range that includes at least the tone reproduction

l i m its o f the pri nti ng cond ition to b e s i mu late d; s e e the p a r t o f I S O 1 2 6 47 that de s c rib e s pro ce s s control

for

the typ e o f pri nti ng to b e s i mu late d .

NO TE

It

is


go o d

p repre s s

p rac tice

th at

no

i m age

reproduction limits of the production printing process.

p a r ts

rel y

on

tone

va lue s

outs ide

o f the

tone


va lue

4.3.10 Reproduction of vignettes

5.3.2
limits (see 4.3.9) if viewed under ISO viewing condition P1 in accordance with ISO 3664.

T he te s t obj e c ts s p e ci fie d i n

sha l l s how no e a s i ly vi s ible s tep s with i n the tone va lue repro duc tion

4.3.11 Image register and resolving power
T he ma xi mu m devi ation b e twe en the i mage centre s o f any two pri nte d colou rs sh a l l no t b e la rger tha n
0 , 0 5 m m . T he re s olvi ng p ower o f the pro o f pri nt s ha l l b e s uch that C , M , K p o s itive, non- s eri f, typ e o f
2 -p oi nt s i ze, revers e (ne gative) o f 8 -p oi nt s i z e, a nd 2 -p oi nt revers e l i ne are legibly repro duce d; the te s t
obj e c t s p e c i fie d i n

5.3.3 shall be used.

T he ab ove re qui rements s ha l l no t apply to rough or me chan ic a l ly u n s table s ub s trate s s uch as news pri nt
or to c a s e s where the tolerance s

0,05 mm.

for

pro duc tion pri nti ng re gi s tration a re s ub s tanti a l ly gre ater than

NO TE 1


T h i s cond ition u s u a l l y cor re s p ond s to a n output add re s s ab i l ity o f at le a s t 10 0 pi xel s p er centi me tre .

NOTE 2

This condition includes the effects of colourant migration, if at all present.

4.3.12 Margin information
T he

fol lowi ng

i n formation

sh a l l

be

provide d

and

ever y d igita l

pro o f s hou ld

i nclude

the


fol lowi ng

i n formation a s a huma n-re adable com mentar y l i ne:

—

con forma nce level (“D igita l pro o f accord i ng to I S O 1 2 6 47-7: — ” ) ;

—

fi le na me;

—

d igita l pro o fi ng s ys tem de s ignation;

—

s ub s trate materi a l typ e;

—

the pri nti ng cond ition s i mu late d;

—

ti me and date o f pro duc tion;

— measurement condition: M0, M1, or M2.
NO TE 1


T he i ntent o f i nclud i ng the pr i nti n g cond itio n i s to identi fy th i s cle a rl y to a u s er. T he co nventio n s u s e d

to i nd ic ate pr i nti n g cond itio n s va r y but a go o d way to do th i s wou ld b e to identi fy the n a me o f a ch a rac ter i z atio n
data s e t,

for

e xa mp le u s i ng its n a me a s re gi s tere d on the I C C re gi s tr y o r u s i ng the fi len a me o r p ro fi le de s c r ip tio n

tag o f a n I C C pro fi le th at repre s ents the p r i nti ng cond itio n .

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

7


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

It should also include
— colourant types,
— colour management profile(s) used,

— raster image processor (RIP) name and version,
— scaling (if applied),
— type o f coating (i f applied or simulated),

— time and date of last calibration,

— details o f any special data preparation, and

— type o f paper/structure simulation such as noise or patterning (i f applied).
When making a proo f from a PDF/X document, the margin in formation shall include the file name and
the date and time o f the last modification and should include the document ID. When the document
ID is included, this shall be printed as two hex strings and the last five digits o f each string should be
highlighted in some way in order to assist identification.
NOTE 2
5

In some cases o f recalibration, it is use ful to re-profile the proo fer.

Test methods

5.1 Viewing conditions

Viewing of prints shall be in accordance with ISO 3664 P1 or P2 viewing condition.
5.2

Control strip

A CMYK digital control strip representing the printing condition to be simulated shall be printed on
every proo f. The control elements identified in the list below should be included while keeping the
total number o f patches within reasonable limits. To provide compatibility with characterization data,
as many control patches as possible should be selected from ink value combinations o f ISO 12642-2.
Control patches shall be selected such that the following control patch types are covered:
a) solid tones o f the chromatic primaries and their secondaries C,M,Y,R,G, and B (6 patches);
b) mid- and shadow tones o f the chromatic primaries and their secondaries C,M,Y,R,G, and B (12
patches);
c) black (K) tone scale with a minimum o f six steps that includes the solid;
d) a set o f patches with CMY values chosen to match the colour o f the patches defined in c) as closely
as possible;

e) selection o f critical tertiary colours such as flesh tones, brown, aubergine, violet (e.g. 15 patches);
f

) simulated print substrate colour o f the production printing condition (1 patch);

g) solid tones of all spot colour inks used in the document.
NOTE 1

There are two practical definitions for grey which are sometimes contradictory: (i) a colour having

the same a * and b * CIELAB values as the print substrate; (ii) a colour having the same a * and b * CIELAB values
as a halftone tint of similar L* value printed with black ink. The latter definition is believed to be useful in the
midtone and upwards whereas the former is believed to work best with highlight tones.

8

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

NOTE 2 Grey balance patches composed o f suitable CMY mixtures serve a use ful purpose for quick visual checks
o f whether the CMY tone values have changed, for example from one proo f print to the next. A single grey balance
condition is usually not su fficient to ensure an achromatic colour for all print substrates and printing inks that are
used for a given printing condition. In addition, it usually depends on the particular black composition used.

The L* scale o f the black is usually considerably greater than the three colour scale and care should be
taken to ensure that the patches described in c) and d) above are suitably spaced.
5.3
5.3.1


Additional test objects
Resolution

For the visual determination o f the resolving power o f the proofing process, the resolution charts S2
and S3 defined in ISO 12640-1 shall be used.
5.3.2

Primary and secondary process colours

For checks o f the primary and secondary process colours (C, M, Y, K, M+Y, C+Y, C+M, and C+M+Y), a test

form comprising vignette targets such as the test image S6 of ISO 12640-1 should be used. The length
visible for normal production printing.
o f the vignettes should be such that they are just below the length where less than smooth behaviour is

5.3.3

Resolving power

For checks on the resolving power, a test form comprising positive and reverse type o f a non-seri f Latin

font with text sizes of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 points and reverse lines with widths of 2, 3, and 4 points should
be printed both parallel and normal to the edge of the print (diagonal lines are not required). Three sets

o f positive text should be printed using 100 % cyan, 100 % magenta and 100 % black. Reverse printing
should use 100 % black-only background with white knock-out. The same regular body text font should

be used for all cases and all instances of 2-point text should be legible and all instances of 2-point lines
should be visible.


NOTE
This is simulation o f the intended printing condition and press colourants are likely to be simulated
by a colorimetric emulation involving multiple colourants on the target device.
5.3.4

Uniformity

For checks on uni formity, create three prints, each with an even tint area that fills the printable format

of the proof printer, using the following tone value combinations:
a) C: 65 %, M: 50 %, Y: 50 %, K: 50 %;
b) C: 40 %, M: 30 %, Y: 30 %, K: 30 %;
c) C: 20 %, M: 15 %, Y: 15 %, K: 15 %.

NOTE
5.4

The most popular format for proof printing is A3+.
Colour measurement

Colour measurements shall be made using an instrument (such as a spectrophotometer from which

colorimetric values can be calculated) that is capable o f repeatedly producing measured values well
within the tolerances specified in this document. The measurement condition o f the instrument should

be set to use the CIE Illuminant D50 and the 2° standard observer. The CIELAB colour coordinates L*,
*, b * shall be calculated as detailed in ISO 13655. Characterization data representing a particular
measurement condition (M0, M1, or M2) shall be verified using an instrument configured to use this
same measurement condition.

a

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

9


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

Black or white backing shall be selected based on the opacity o f the proofing substrate. Black and white

backing shall be in accordance with ISO 13655.

All colour measurements and computed colour di fferences shall be reported, accompanied by an
associated total uncertainty (using the coverage factor k = 1 as defined in ISO 15790). In addition, it

should include an estimate of the variation between different measurement instruments. The value
may be extracted from the manu facturer’s specification or from a certificate o f calibration from the
manufacturer.
All colour measurements shall be rounded with the same precision as the defined tolerance value.

NOTE
A colour di fference o f ∆E 00 = 5,4 is rounded to 5 i f the tolerance is defined as ∆E 00 ≤ 5 and will be in
con formance. The same colour di fference is not in con formance when the tolerance is stipulated as ∆E 00 ≤ 5,0.
5.5

Measurement of gloss

The gloss of the substrate or ink set single ink solid areas should be measured with an incidence angle


o f 75° as specified in ISO 8254-1 or 60° as specified in ISO 2813 and shall be classified into categories o f
“matte”, “semi-matte” or “glossy” as follows:
a) 75° (see ISO 8254-1): Matte: <20 GU, Semi-matte: 20 GU to 60 GU, Glossy: >60 GU;
b) 60° (see ISO 2813): Matte: <5 GU, Semi-matte: 5 GU to 20 GU, Glossy: >20 GU.
NOTE

The correspondence between the categories a) and b) is based on Re ference [11].

Other gloss measurement methods specified in ISO 15397 may be used as long as it can be demonstrated
that the substrate categories that result from such a measurement are approximately equivalent to
those specified in a) or b).
5.6

Visual appraisal of proof-press-print matches

See Annex D for a typical set of guidelines used for visual evaluations.
NOTE
Although the industry is struggling to develop metrologically based techniques for the evaluation o f
the quality o f proo f-to-print matches, un fortunately, most industry trade groups still rely on visual comparisons.
It is recognized that these evaluations are highly dependent on both the subject matter chosen and on the

observers participating.

10

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)


Annex A

(normative)
Technical requirements for proofing con formity

A.1 Certified proo f (field certification)
D igita l pro o fs may b e con s idere d to b e “field cer ti fie d”

for

a cho s en pri nti ng cond ition i n con forma nce

with this document if the proof print conforms to the requirements listed in A.1.1 for the chosen
printing condition.
A.1.1 All proofs

All proofs shall conform to the following requirements of Clause 4:
— colouration of printed parts (see 4.3.3), except the light fastness, the 24 h colour fading tests and the
p atche s

from

the I S O 1 2 6 42 char ts;

— margin information (see 4.3.12).
A.2 Certified contract proo fs

A.2.1 General provisions
P ro duc tion s ite s


for

d igita l pro o fs may b e con s idere d c ap able o f del iveri ng cer ti fie d contrac t pro o fs

for

a cho s en pri nti ng cond ition i n con formance with th i s do c u ment i f it c an b e rel iably demon s trate d th at

the proof prints conform to the requirements listed in A.2.2 or A.2.3 for the chosen printing condition.
A.2.2 All proofs

All proofs shall conform to the following requirements of Clause 4:
4.3.2), conformance to Table 1
f
— colouration of printed parts (see 4.3.3
— gamut (see 4.3.4
— reproduction of vignettes (see 4.3.10
— image register and resolving power (see 4.3.11
— margin information (see 4.3.12).
—

pro o fi ng s ub s trate colou r and glo s s (s e e

) , e xcep t the l ight

i s the on ly re qu i rement;

as tne s s and 2 4 h colou r

fad i ng


te s ts;

);

);

);

A.2.3 Halftone proofs

Halftone proofs shall conform to all requirements of A.2.2 and the following requirements of Clause 4:
f
4.2.2
— screen angle (see 4.2.3
— dot shape (see 4.2.4).

—

s c re en

re quenc y (s e e

);

);

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

11



ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

A.3 Production systems capable o f delivering certified contract proo fs
A.3.1 General provisions
P ro duc tion s ys tem s

for

d igita l pro o fi ng provide d b y vendors may b e con s idere d c ap able o f del iveri ng

cer ti fie d contrac t pro o fs

for

a given pri nti ng cond ition i n con formance with th i s do c u ment i f it c an

b e rel i ably demon s trate d that the pro o fi ng s ys tem, compri s i ng hardware and workflow comp onents ,
i f te s te d u nder the envi ronmenta l cond ition s s p e ci fie d b y the vendor, con form s to the re qui rements

listed in A.3.2 or A.3.3 f

or s aid pri nti ng cond ition . I n add ition, the s ys tem sha l l b e c ap able o f accep ti ng

and pro ce s s i ng data fi le s con form i ng to

4.2.1.

Where pro o fi ng s ys tem s are i ntende d to s upp or t pro o fi ng o f s p o t i n ks , a repre s entative s e t o f s p o t


colours should be included in the assessment.
A.3.2 All proofs

All proofs shall conform to the following requirements of Clause 4:
4.3.2), conformance to Table 1
— colouration of printed parts (see 4.3.3
f
f
f
4.3.6
— colourant rub resistance (see 4.3.7
— tone value reproduction limits(see 4.3.9
— reproduction of vignettes (see 4.3.10
— image register and resolving power (see 4.3.11
— margin information (see 4.3.12
the proof.
—

pro o fi ng s ub s trate colou r and glo s s (s e e

) , excep t the l ight

—

rep e atabi l ity o

pro o

pri nti ng (s e e


i s the on ly re qu i rement;

a s tne s s a nd 2 4 h colour

fad i ng

te s ts;

);

);

);

);

);

) wh ich s hou ld b e adde d b y the s a me ma rki ng engi ne that c re ate d

A.3.3 Halftone proofs

Halftone proofs shall conform to all requirements of A.3.2 and the following additional requirements of
Clause 4:
f
4.2.2
— screen angle (see 4.2.3
— halftone dot shape (see 4.2.4).
—


s c re en

re quenc y (s e e

);

);

A.4 Tables of aim values and tolerances

Tables A.1 and A.2 are provided as a guide to implementers of this document. Full details of each
requirement are provided in the section indicated.

12

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

Table A.1 — Technical requirements for contract proofs
Requirement

Tolerance

Reference

Maximum proof to production print
difference for substrate


3,0 Δ E00

4.3.2
4.3.3

Maximum proof to printing condition
difference for process colour solids
Maximum variation across the sheet

3,0 Δ E00

4.3.3

2,0 Δ E00

4.3.3
4.3.3
Table 2
4.3.3
Table 2
4.3.3
Table 2
4.3.3
Table 2
4.3.3
Table 2
4.3.3
Table 2
4.3.3

Table 2

(9 patch grey charts)

Maximum proof to printing condition
difference for all patches in 5.2 except
spot colour inks
Average proof to printing condition
difference for all patches in 5.2 except
spot colour inks

5,0 Δ E00
2,5 Δ E00

Maximum for CMY neutral scale

3,5 ΔCh

Average for CMY neutral scale

2,0 Δ Ch

Average proof to printing condition
difference for all patches of ISO 12642-2
95 % percentile of proof to printing
condition difference for all patches of
ISO 12642-2
Maximum proof to printing condition
difference for spot colour ink solid
patches of 5.2

Average proof to printing condition
difference for outer gamut patches of
ISO 12642-2
Maximum error for spot colour solids
and 50 % tints
Maximum change in substrate and
chromatic (CMYRGB) solids and
midtones following permanence tests
(shall)
Maximum change in substrate and
chromatic (CMYRGB) solids and
midtones following permanence tests
(should)
Maximum variation o f primary and
secondary solids and midtones from
day to day

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

2,5 Δ E00
5,0 Δ E00
2,5 Δ E00

Additional constraints

Only applies i f the proo f substrate is

overprinted.

Gloss and fluorescence levels should be


similar between proof and print.
CIELAB metric hue difference shall not
exceed 2,5.
Standard deviation of less than 0,5 for
each of L*, a *, and b *.
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

2,5 Δ E00

4.3.4

—

2,5 Δ E00

4.3.4

—

2,5 Δ E00

4.3.5


For matte substrates 4,0 Δ E00

2,0 Δ E00

4.3.5

For matte substrates 4,0 Δ E00

2,0 Δ E00

4.3.6

—

13


ISO 12647-7:2016(E)

Table A.2 — Technical requirements for certified field proo fs
Requirement

Maximum proof to production print
difference for substrate
Maximum proof to printing condition
difference for process colour solids
Maximum proof to printing condition
difference for all patches in 5.2 except spot
colour inks
Average proof to printing condition difference for all patches in 5.2 except spot

colour inks
Maximum proof to printing condition
difference for spot colour ink solid patches
of 5.2

14

Tolerance

3 ,0 Δ

E00

3 ,0 Δ

E00

5 ,0 Δ

E00

2,5 Δ

E00

2,5 Δ

E00

Reference


4.3.2
4.3.3
4.3.3
4.3.3
Table 2
4.3.3
Table 2
4.3.3
Table 2

Additional constraints
O n l y ap p l ie s i f the p ro o f s ub s trate i s

overprinted

Glo s s a nd fluo re s cence le vel s s hou ld

be similar between proof and print
CIELAB metric hue difference shall
not exceed 2,5
—
—
—

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved