In this article, learn
- what G7 linearization is,
- how to create a G7 linearization profile, and
- what substeps need to be performed to do so.
1. Introduction
G7 linearization is a calibration method designed to achieve neutral and visually consistent gray reproduction in a printing system. While linearization adjusts the tonal reproduction of each color channel to a defined characteristic curve, the G7 method accounts for the interaction among all color channels. The goal is to achieve a stable gray balance between the paper white and the defined CMY gray values along the entire gray axis.
A stable gray axis is one of the most important criteria for a visually balanced print result. Color casts in neutral image areas are detected particularly quickly by the human eye and influence the perception of overall print quality. With G7 linearization, the gray balance of the printing system is adjusted to the G7 specification. This achieves reproducible and visually comparable gray reproduction across different printing systems and production conditions.
Pre-linearization and Linearization
G7 linearization is the next step in a Profiling Project, following pre-linearization (optional), linearization of additional colors (e.g., neon colors) (optional), linearization of additional fluids (e.g., white) (optional), and linearization including transitions. All settings made in the previous steps affect the subsequent steps.
2. G7 Linearization in the Profiling Project
G7 linearization is divided into four steps, which ultimately result in a G7 linearization profile:
- Printing the measurement template chart – The G7 Print Chart is printed on the reference printer defined in the profiling project. The previously created linearization data is automatically applied when needed.
- Measuring the measurement template chart – the printed chart is measured page by page using a measuring instrument. For multipage charts, the order of the measured pages does not have to be strictly followed. For performing such a measurement, it is necessary that the correct page number is selected before each measurement.
- Analyzing the measurement data – once the measurement is complete, the captured measurement data is available for visual and metrological evaluation. The following display options are available for this purpose: Measurement Results, Color Axes, Spider Web View, and Files.
- Creating a G7 linearization profile – in the final step, the parameters for profile calculation are defined, and the G7 linearization profile is calculated. The G7 calculation method for neutral gray and the function for correcting measurement data are available for this purpose.
2.1. Prerequisites
To perform G7 linearization, the following prerequisites must be met:
- A new profiling project has been created.
- The G7 Linearization option was enabled in the Advanced tab when the project was created. This option is only available when the Linearization step is also enabled.
- Pre-linearization has been performed, provided that this step was enabled when the project was created.
- Linearization of additional colors has been performed and completed, provided that this option was enabled.
- Linearization has been completed.
- The transitions have been defined, and the linearization profile has been created.
Standard Mode vs. Expert Mode in the User Interface
The Expert Mode [3] is available in the user interface for each step. The layout of the user interface changes depending on whether Expert Mode is enabled or not.
In each step, you can follow detailed guidance by following the instructions in the status bar [2]. To access additional settings or return to a previous step, Expert Mode must be enabled. Both modes cover all substeps.
2.2. Step-by-step Guide
To create a G7 linearization, follow these steps:
- Open the relevant Profiling Project and navigate to the G7 Linearization [1] step.
- The status bar [2] displays the current status and a prompt for the next action.
- The first step in G7 linearization is to print the measurement template chart. Then click the Print [4] command.
Figure 1: The G7 Linearization step in Expert Mode
- This opens the Print Measurement Template Chart - G7 Linearization dialog.
- In the dialog, check and configure the required parameters, and then click the Send to Printer (Printer Name) command.
Detailed Description: Printing the Measurement Template Chart
For a detailed description of all available options in the Print Measurement Template Chart dialog, see the article Printing the Measurement Template Chart.
Figure 2: The Measurement Template Chart – G7 Linearization dialog in standard mode
Application of Linearization Profiles
When printing the G7 measurement template chart, the previously created linearization profiles – as well as any pre-linearization, if applicable – are automatically applied. The printed chart thus reflects the already linearized state of the printing system.
- This will take you back to the G7 linearization overview. The next step is to measure the measurement template chart.
- Once the desired measurement template chart has been printed and the required drying and stabilization times have elapsed, you can begin the measurement. To do so, click the Measure [5] command.
Figure 3: The G7 Linearization step in Expert Mode
- This opens the Measure dialog. In this dialog, click the Measure Page 1 [6] command if you already have the printed calibration chart for the measurement device. This transfers the information to the respective measurement device, and the measurement process can begin.
- Once all measurement template charts have been measured, this step is complete. When there are multiple chart pages, the next page is automatically selected after the first page has been measured. Repeat the measurement process for each additional page.
Detailed Description: Measuring the Measurement Template Chart
For a detailed description of all available options in this dialog, see the Article Measuring the Measurement Template Chart.
Figure 4: The Measure dialog in the G7 linearization step after the measurement is complete
- This will take you back to the G7 linearization overview. With Expert Mode [3] enabled (Figure 1), analyze the measurement results. A detailed description of all analysis options in this dialog is available in the article Analyzing Measurement Data, which you can find in the chapter Cross-Cutting Substeps. However, this analysis is not strictly necessary for creating the G7 linearization profile.
- The final step is to create the G7 linearization profile. To do so, click the Create G7 Linearization Profile [7] command.
Figure 5: The G7 Linearization step in Expert Mode
- This opens the Create G7 Linearization Profile dialog. The left pane of the dialog displays the compensation curves for each color channel. Show or hide individual color channels.
- In the right pane, configure the parameters for the G7 calculation method for neutral gray and measurement data correction.
- Then click Create G7 Linearization Profile to perform the calculation and complete the step.
Detailed Description: Creating a G7 Linearization Profile
For a detailed description of all available settings in the Create G7 Linearization Profile dialog, see the article Creating a G7 Linearization Profile – Setting Options which is available in the chapter G7 Linearization.
Figure 6: The Create G7 Linearization Profile dialog
Article update: $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW 2.2.0 – 07/2026