User Manual

Creating a Linearization

Updated on

In this article, you will learn

  • what a pre-linearization is,
  • how to create a linearization profile, and
  • which sub-steps are required for this process.

1. Introduction

A printing system typically does not output tonal values linearly. A digital input value of 50% does not automatically result in a printed tonal value of 50%. This is caused by the physical behavior of ink on the substrate – the so-called tone value increase (dot gain). This effect occurs to varying degrees depending on the type of ink, print speed, print mode, and substrate.

Create Pre-Linearization

If your printing system exhibits significant tonal value jumps, it may be worthwhile to create a pre-linearization to reduce these tonal discontinuities based on empirical values. All Settingss applied affect all subsequent steps. Learn more in the chapter Pre-Linearization.

2. Linearization in the Profiling Project

The goal of linearization is to measure the tone value increase (dot gain) and compensate for it mathematically. The result is a linearization profile that ensures the printing system reproduces tonal values proportionally and reproducibly. An incorrect or missing linearization directly affects the quality of all subsequent profiling steps and can lead to the following issues:

  • Inaccurate reproduction of midtones and gradients
  • An unstable gray axis and color deviations in neutral tones
  • Limited reproducibility of print results across print runs and printing systems
  • Visible tonal breaks in smooth gradients

Linearization is not a standalone process but a defined step within a profiling project in the $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW application. It forms the basis for all subsequent profiling steps – particularly characterization.

3. Create Linearization

Linearization is divided into four sub-steps that ultimatively result in a linearization profile:

  • Print Measurement Template Chart – the measurement template chart is printed on the reference printer defined in the profiling project. The chart size is automatically derived from the nozzle size defined in the profiling project.
  • Measure Measurement Template Chart – the printed chart is measured page by page using a measurement device. The page order does not necessarily have to be followed, provided that the correct page number is selected before each measurement.
  • Analyze Measurement Template Chart – after measurement, the data is available for visual evaluation. For each color channel, four curve types can be displayed: linearization curves, tonal values (SCTV), chroma values and the reference color space (∆E₀₀).
  • Create Linearization Profile – in the final sub-step, the parameters for profile calculation are defined, and the linearization profile is calculated. The Settingss are divided into three tabs – Ink Cut, Transition and Measurement Data Correction.

3.1. Prerequisites

To perform linearization, the following prerequisites must be met:

  • A new profiling project has been created.
  • The Linearization option has been enabled when creating the project.
  • Pre-Linearization has been performed, provided that this step was enabled during project creation.

Standard Mode vs. Expert Mode in the User Interface

Expert Mode [3] is available in the user interface of each step. Depending on whether Expert Mode is enabled, the user interface changes accordingly.

In each step, you can follow the instructions in the status bar [2] for detailed guidance. To access additional Settings options or return to a previous step, Expert Mode must be enabled. In both cases, all sub-steps are covered.

3.2. Step-by-step Instructions

To create linearization, proceed as follows:

  1. Open the respective profiling project and switch to the Linearization [1] step.
  2. The status bar [2] displays the current status.
  3. The first step within linearization is printing the measurement template chart. Click the Print [4] command.

Figure 1: The Linearisization step in Standard Mode

  1. This opens the Print Measurement Template Chart - Linearization dialog.
  2. Enter all required parameters in the dialog and click Send to Printer.

Detailed Description of Printing the Measurement Template Chart

A detailed description of all available options in the Print Measurement Template Chart - Linearization dialog can be found in the article Print Measurement Template Chart.

Depending on the selected Color Configuration

The number and layout of the measurement template charts depend on the color configuration of the printer. In a CMYK color configuration, one chart is printed. If additional light inks are used, multiple charts are printed accordingly.

Figure 2: The Print Measurement Template Chart - Linearization dialog in Standard Mode

  1. This returns you to the linearization overview. The next step is measuring the measurement template chart.
  2. Once the required measurement template chart has been printed, measurement can begin. Click the Measure [5] command.

Figure 3: The Linearization step in Expert Mode

  1. This opens the Measure dialog. In this dialog, click the Measure Page 1 [6] command. This sends the information to the respective measurement device, and the measurement procedure can begin.
  2. Once all measurement charts have been measured, this step is complete. If multiple charts are available, the next page is opened automatically after the first page has been been measured. Repeat the measurement procedure for each remainig page.

Detailed Description of Measuring the Measurement Chart

A detailed description of all available options in this dialog can be found in the article Measure the Measurement Template Chart.

Figure 4: The Measure dialog in the Linearization step before measurement begins

  1. This returns you to the Linearization overview. If Expert Mode [3] (Figure 1) is enabled, the measurement results can be analyzed. A detailed description of all analysis options available in this dialog can be found in the article Analyze Measurement Data.
  2. The next and final step is creating the linearization profile. Click the Create Linearization Profile [7] command.

Figure 5: The Linearization step in Expert Mode

  1. This opens the Create Linearization Profile dialog.
  2. In Standard Mode, no settingss can be configured in this dialog. However, the Calculated Curves tab displays the linearization compensation curve.
  3. Finally, click Create Linearization Profile to complete this step.

Detailed Description of Creating the Linearization Profile

A detailed description of all available options in Expert Mode in the the Create Linearization Profile dialog can be found in the article Create Linearization Profile – Settings Options.

Figure 6: The Create Linearization Profile dialog in the Standard Mode

Article Update: $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW 2.1.0 – 06/2026

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