ChromaQA 7.5 is now available, bringing 18 new features and enhancements across SPEC, PRESS, STANDARDS, ADMIN, and SmartINK. Highlights include the ability to specify measurement locations within artwork, import color standards from an ICC profile, customize drawdown reports, and create multiple ScoreCards. Across the ChromaQA suite, version 7.5 gives users more control over how color standards are created, measured, evaluated, and reported. The release also expands support for PantoneLIVE, Colibri colorant sets, SmartINK corrections, and…

XRGA and Open Standards: What You Need to Know Understanding XRGA XRGA (X-Rite Graphic Arts) was introduced by X-Rite in 2010 as an internal reference model to align the measurement behavior of its legacy GretagMacbeth and X-Rite instruments. Following the merger of the two companies, XRGA helped harmonize their differing calibration methods to ensure consistency within the X-Rite product family. It’s important to understand that XRGA is not an international standard. It is not governed…

A White Paper for Print and Packaging Professionals  Executive Summary  As print and packaging workflows become increasingly complex—spanning multiple presses, substrates, inks, locations, and stakeholders—maintaining color consistency has grown more challenging. Cloud‑based color management software has emerged as a practical solution, enabling centralized color standards, objective quality control, and real‑time collaboration across the print production ecosystem. This white paper introduces cloud-based color management software, who it is designed for, how it works, why it is…

In this article we’ll walk you through open loop vs closed loop: What “open loop” and “closed loop” control really mean in a print environment The key advantages and disadvantages of open loop vs closed loop How a closed‐loop system is built and why it pays off Guidance for when your shop should move from open loop toward closed loop (and how to do that). What is “Open Loop” and “Closed Loop” in Print Color…

What Is a Spot Color? A spot color is a single, premixed ink designed to produce a specific hue. Unlike process colors that are created on press, spot colors are mixed before printing according to standardized color systems — most commonly the Pantone Matching System (PMS).  Example of a Spot Color  Imagine a brand that uses a deep, vibrant blue as its signature brand color — but it can’t be accurately reproduced with standard CMYK inks. When printed using process colors, this blue often appears duller…

In the world of professional printing, precision is everything. Whether producing packaging, marketing materials, or high-end publications, the colors you see on the press sheet must match the intended design—every time. This is where color measurement comes into play. By using specialized color measurement instruments, printers can achieve consistent, accurate results, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction. In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of color measurement, explore the tools used in the printing industry,…

In the world of printing and color management, precision isn’t just a goal—it’s a requirement. When you’re producing packaging, the ability to reproduce colors accurately and consistently is vital for brand integrity and client satisfaction. One of the most powerful tools for achieving this is the LAB color space, sometimes referred to as the CIE LAB color space or color space LAB. In this article, we’ll break down what LAB color space is, why it’s…