What Is G7?
G7 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 using simple 1-dimensional curves, and enables shared appearance between different printing devices or specifications when additional color management is not available. G7 is the basis for GRACoL on #1 paper (TR006), SWOP on #3 paper (TR003), SWOP on #5 paper (TR005) and FIRST’s Flexo on white polyester substrate (TR007).
Why Print Buyers Request IDEAlliance G7
Typically, printing is either distributed geographically or distributed across different print types or styles. For example, a buyer may want to purchase marketing collateral, packaging and signage with the same brand imagery. Clearly the substrate, gamut and other print characteristics will vary for the different print products.
But if all the print products have the same gray balance and neutral tonality defined by G7, the different printed products will look remarkably alike to the human eye. Customer supplied files become much more interchangeable between other firms including ad agencies, printers and pre-media outlets that also use the G7 Master Process. Many print buyers request that their print service providers become G7 qualified as a print purchase may involve several print processes.
We Print To SWOP® Specifications
Our press room specification, and our proofs, are to SWOP specifications. We use the G7 IDEAlliance calibration method on our proofing system and presses. The goal of G7 is to simplify calibration to reliably achieve a close visual match from proof to press and from press to press.
In 2004, SWOP (Specifications for Web Offset Publications) and IDEAlliance formed a coalition to support print media through the coordinated development of standardized specifications and guidelines, certification programs, software tools, educational seminars, and peer support networks. In 2005, SWOP, Inc. merged with IDEAlliance. The merger provided new resources to support SWOP modernization.
More About IDEAlliance® / G7
IDEAlliance (International Digital Enterprise Alliance) is a not-for-profit membership organization. G7®, the IDEAlliance proof-to-print process, is based on principles of digital imaging and spectrophotometry. G7 is currently being applied to many types of printing including commercial and publication printing, newsprint and even flexo.
IDEAlliance has been a leader in information technology since 1966 (founded as Graphic Communications Association) having fostered the development and adoption of standards such as SWOP.
The Membership IDEAlliance members represent a unique convergence of the leading brand owners, agencies, publishers, printers, materials suppliers and solution providers. IDEAlliance provides a user-driven, cross-industry, and open environment in which its members can strategize, innovate, standardize, and implement solutions to real business challenges in eMedia-based publishing.