In this article, you will learn
- what G7 linearization is,
- how to create a G7 linearization profile, and
- which substeps must be completed 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 tone value reproduction of each individual color channel to a defined characteristic curve, the G7 method considers the interaction of all color channels. The goal is to achieve a stable gray balance between the paper white and defined CMY gray values across 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 particularly easy for the human eye to detect and can affect the perception of overall print quality. G7 linearization adjusts the gray balance of the printing system to comply with the G7 specification. This enables reproducible and visually consistent 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 transition curves. All settings configured in the preceding steps affect the subsequent steps.
2. G7 Linearization in the Profiling Project
G7 linearization is divided into four substeps, which ultimately result in a G7 linearization profile:
- Printing the Measurement Template Chart – the G7 measurement template chart is printed on the reference printer defined in the profiling project. The previously created linearization data is automatically applied if required.
- Measuring the Measurement Template Chart – the printed chart is measured page by page using a measurement device. For multipage charts, the pages do not necessarily have to be measured in sequence, provided 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 analysis. The Measurement Results, Color Axes, Spider Web View, and Files views are available for this purpose.
- Creating a G7 Linearization Profile – in the final substep, the parameters for profile calculation are defined and the G7 linearization profile is calculated. The available options include the G7 calculation method for neutral gray and the measurement data correction function.
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 creating the project. This option is only available if the Linearization step is also enabled.
- Pre-Linearization has been completed, provided this step was enabled when creating the project.
- Linearization of Additional Colors has been completed, provided 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 of each step. Depending on whether Expert Mode is enabled or not, the layout of the user interface changes.
In each step, you can follow detailed guidance provided in the status bar [2]. To access additional setting options 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, proceed as follows:
- Open the relevant profiling project and switch to the G7 Linearization step [1].
- The status bar [2] displays the current status and indicates the next action.
- The first step of the G7 linearization process is to print the measurement template chart. Click the Print command [4].
Figure 1: The G7 Linearization step in Expert Mode
- The Print Measurement Template Chart - G7 Linearization dialog opens.
- Check and configure the required parameters in the dialog, 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 Printing the Measurement Template Chart article.
Figure 2: The Print 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 and, if applicable, the pre-linearization profile are automatically applied. The printed chart reflects the already linearized state of the printing system.
- This navigates 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 time has elapsed, you can start the measurement. Click the Measure command [5].
Figure 3: The G7 Linearization step in Expert Mode
- The Measure dialog opens. In this dialog, click the Measure Page 1 command [6] if the printed measurement template chart is available for the measurement device. The corresponding information is then transmitted to the respective measurement device and the measurement process can be started.
- Once all measurement template charts have been measured, this step is complete. If the chart consists of multiple pages, the next page is opened automatically 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 Measuring the Measurement Template Chart article.
Figure 4: The Measure dialog in the G7 linearization step after completion of the measurement
- This navigates you back to the G7 linearization overview. If Expert Mode [3] is enabled (Figure 1), the measurement results can be analyzed. For a detailed description of all analysis options in this dialog, see the Analyzing the Measurement Data article. However, this analysis is not required to create the G7 linearization profile.
- The final step is to create the G7 linearization profile. Click the Create G7 Linearization Profile command [7].
Figure 5: The G7 Linearization step in Expert Mode
- The Create G7 Linearization Profile dialog opens. The left section of the dialog displays the compensation curves for each color channel. Individual color channels can be shown or hidden.
- In the right section, you can configure the G7 Calculation Method for Neutral Gray and Measurement Data Correction parameters.
- 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 setting options in the Create G7 Linearization Profile dialog, see the Creating a G7 Linearization Profile – Setting Options article.
Figure 6: The Create G7 Linearization Profile dialog
Article update: $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW 2.2.0 – 07/2026