Idealliance, along with its industry-shaping working group – Print Properties Committee, are proud to announce the release of the beta Expanded Color Gamut Characterization Dataset. Built from years of profiling and testing, and with input from experts across printing, packaging, commercial print, and other graphic applications, the ECG project initially launched in 2018 to first create a 7-color characterization target for use in print characterization of CMYK, plus Orange, Green, and Violet (OGV) print applications. The 7-color test chart was released in 2020 and is now used extensively around the world in 7-color print applications where color characterization, calibration, and process control are required for stable, leading 7-color print. Download the free ECG 7-Color Characterization Test Chart here.
Since then, the Print Properties Committee ECG project has advanced to further drive ECG optimization to develop a 7-color characterized reference print condition, to serve as the industry standard for 7-color printing (CMYK+OGV) globally across print technology and print applications. Much like industry standard CRPCS like GRACoL®, SWOP®, PRINTWIDE®, and other print standards developed by the Print Properties Committee have become the known standard for printers, print buyers, and creatives. Known for their specification print applications across commercial print, packaging, and creative workflows, the ECG dataset aims to serve as a standard print condition to drive communication, efficiency, and process control optimization across 7-color printing.
Built with G7-based near-neutral gray balance and tonality for optimal, visually appealing print output, the Idealliance ECG beta dataset is now available at Idealliance.org and ilearningplus.org. Download the beta dataset here from Idealliance and PRINTING United Alliance.
The characterization dataset also includes guidelines for implementation and press confirmation and the characterization target. The Print Properties Committee is requesting feedback as it advances toward a final publication of the profile and release. Please provide your feedback, data, and press sheets to the Chair of the Print Properties Committee, Ron Ellis at ron@ronellis.us .
ECG Beta Dataset (outer) compared to GRACoL 2013/CRPC6 (inner). Image prepared by ColorThink.
Idealliance would like to thank the contributions of industry experts and organizations spanning print technology and print production who actively support the Print Properties Committee ECG project, including (listed alphabetically):