Just what is G-7?

G-7 is both a definition of grayscale appearance, and a calibration method for adjusting any CMYK imaging device to simulate the G7 grayscale definition. G7 yields a visual match between different imaging systems. A key benefit of G7 is that it is device independent. G-7 yields a visual match between different imaging systems regardless of substrates, colorants or screening technologies.

G-7 qualification has become a requirement for many print buyers who purchase in different geographic areas or across different print types, but still demand visual similarity in the appearance of all of the print products. For example, a buyer may want to purchase marketing collateral, packaging, and signage from different printers, but with the same brand imagery. If all the printed products have the same gray balance and neutral tonality defined by G-7, they will look remarkably the same to the human eye.

What is the benefit to the customer?
G7 process is based on visual appearance; the same as what many customers do when they actually are at the site of the press for the approval process.

Harmonize or synchronizes color balance among multiple printing presses.
Synchronizes color balance among multiple printing presses and different imaging processes; web, sheet-fed, flexo, inkjet, etc., as long as all are following the G-7 protocols.
Could reduce your consumable waste and make-ready time while providing a superior color product.
Tighter proof to press calibration improves communication between designer and printer. We use spectrophotometers along with Fuji’s Taskero Universe to monitor our ink jet proofing and pressroom conditions to G7 standards. Taskero gives real time reports on our prepress equipment activity, proofing and plate quality to make sure that the benefits of G-7 make it to the press.
Allows us to adjust the color at press for different substrates. This on-press color adjustment for different substrates assures all mail-piece components match.
Constantly monitors and reports proofing device and pressroom conditions to assure results on press. Relies on LAB value (these values represent the 3-dimnetional color gamut) and TVI (Total Value Increase…..better know dot gain), rather than just the density measurements that you will find in most print shops.
Many customers are demanding GRACoL and are using it as an internal proofing standard which is not tied to proprietary standards like Kodak Approvals or Matchprints.

Let’s simplify this even more.

Your components that we produce, always match - regardless of substrate, or when/where the pieces are printed. Our pledge is it will always match - your proof, samples, piece-to-piece and job-to-job – always.
Measurable standards – proven performance. We prove it all with data - PROVE that we are performing!
REPEATABLE and CONSISTENT QUALITY throughout all your printed products.

Click here to read our G-7 press release