Overview
ISO 12647-1:2013 - Graphic technology - Process control for the production of half-tone colour separations, proof and production prints - Part 1: Parameters and measurement methods - defines the minimum set of primary process control parameters and associated measurement methods needed to uniquely specify the visual and technical properties of process-specific production prints and process‑independent simulations. Published as the third edition in 2013, this part of the ISO 12647 series provides the foundations for colour reproduction, proofing and production quality control across printing workflows.
Key topics and requirements
ISO 12647-1:2013 addresses the following technical topics and requirements:
- Primary process parameters - defining printing sequence, inks, substrate, screening and other parameters that directly influence visual appearance.
- Printing condition and characterization - how a set of primary parameters is represented by colorimetric and/or densitometric aims to form a reproducible printing condition.
- Measurement methods - standard procedures for:
- computation of CIELAB colour coordinates and colour differences (including CIEDE2000 references),
- use and design of control strips and control patches,
- screen angle measurement,
- gloss measurement,
- apparent ink trap evaluation,
- doubling and slur detection,
- density / relative density of process colour solids,
- assessing variation of coloration across a print.
- Grey balance and grey reproduction - defining achromatic targets and practical approaches for neutral greys under specified viewing conditions.
- Reporting and normative references - guidance on reporting results and references to related measurement standards such as ISO 5‑3, ISO 5‑4 and ISO 13655.
Practical applications and users
ISO 12647-1:2013 is designed to be practical and widely applicable for:
- Prepress professionals creating colour separations and preparing proof data.
- Proofing houses and suppliers of digital contract proofs (ISO 12647‑7) and validation prints (ISO 12647‑8).
- Press operators and production printers implementing process control and press calibration.
- Colour management specialists and QC teams who need standardized colorimetric/densitometric aims.
- Print buyers and designers who require consistent contract proofs and an objective reference for disputes.
Using ISO 12647-1 helps ensure predictable colour reproduction, reduces trial-and-error adjustments, and facilitates clear communication between prepress, printer and client.
Related standards
ISO 12647 is a multi-part series. Relevant parts include:
Keywords: ISO 12647-1:2013, graphic technology, process control, colour separations, proofing, production prints, colour management, CIELAB, control strip, measurement methods.