In this article, learn
- what a characterization is,
- how to create a characterization profile, and
- what steps are required to do so.
1. Introduction
After linearization, a printing system reproduces tint values proportionally and reproducibly. This reproduction does not yet describe how the individual color channels actually appear on the substrate when combined. Every combination of printer, print configuration, color configuration, and substrate produces its own unique color gamut.
The goal of characterization is to fully capture and describe this color behavior of the printing system. To do this, a print chart is printed and calibrated to cover the entire color space of the printing system. Based on the measurement data, the substrate ICC profile and the corresponding DeviceLink profiles are calculated. These profiles describe the color gamut for the selected combination of printer, print configuration, ink configuration, and substrate.
Pre-linearization, Linearization, G7 Linearization, and Total Area Coverage Limit
Characterization is the final step in the Profiling Project, following Pre-linearization (optional), Linearization (optional), G7 Linearization (optional), and Total Area Coverage Limit (optional). All settings that were made in the previous steps affect the subsequent steps.
2. Characterization in the Profiling Project
Characterization is the final step of a Profiling Project in the $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW application. Characterization builds on the results of the preceding steps – in particular, linearization and, if enabled, G7 linearization and Total Area Coverage Limit. When proceeding to this step, the corresponding characterization chart is automatically generated in the background.
The result of the characterization is a color policy, which can then be used for the color space transformation of the print data. Within the characterization, multiple variations can be created. Each variation generates its own Color Policy with individual separation settings based on the same measurement data. This allows to cover different output targets – such as different separation methods or gamut settings – without having to reprint and recalibrate the chart.
3. Creating a Characterization
The characterization is divided into four steps, which ultimately result in a characterization profile and, consequently, a color policy:
- Printing the measurement template chart – the print chart is printed on the reference printer defined in the profiling project. The chart size is automatically derived from the aperture size defined in the profiling project.
- Measuring the measurement template chart – the printed chart is measured page by page using a measurement device. The order of the pages does not have to be strictly followed, provided that the correct page number is selected before each measurement.
- Analyzing the measurement data – after measurement, the measurement data is available for visual evaluation.
- Creating a characterization profile – in the final step, the parameters for the profile calculation are specified, and the characterization profile is calculated.
3.1. Prerequisites
In order to perform characterization, the following prerequisites must be met:
- A new profiling project has been created.
- Pre-linearization has been performed, provided this step was enabled when the project was created.
- Linearization has been performed, provided this step was enabled when the project was created.
- G7 linearization and total area coverage limit have been performed, provided these steps were enabled when the project was created.
Standard Mode vs. Expert Mode in the User Interface
The function Expert Mode [3] is available in the user interface for each step. The user interface changes depending on whether expert mode is enabled or not.
For each step, you have the option to 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. In both cases, all substeps are covered.
3.2. Step-by-Step Guide
To create a characterization, proceed as follows:
- Open the relevant profiling project and navigate to the Characterization step [1].
- The status bar [2] displays the current status.
- The first step in the characterization process is to print the Print Chart. Click the Print command [4].
Figure 1: The Characterization step in Expert Mode
- This opens the Print Measurement Chart – Characterization dialog.
- Enter all the required parameters in the dialog, and then click the Send to Printer [Printer Name] command.
Detailed Description: Printing the Measurement Template Chart
For a detailed description of all the options available in the Print Measurement Template Chart dialog, see the article Printing the Measurement Template Chart.
Figure 2: The Print Measurement Template Chart – Characterization dialog in Standard Mode
- This will take you back to the characterization overview. The next step is to measure the Print Chart.
- Once the desired Print Chart has been printed, you can begin the measurement. To do so, click the Measure [5] command.
Figure 3: The Characterization step in Expert Mode
- This opens the Measure dialog. In this dialog, click the Measure Page 1 command [6]. This forwards the information to the respective Measurement Devices, and the measurement process can begin.
- Once all the Print Charts have been measured, this step is complete. When there are multiple charts, the next page will be selected automatically after the first page has been measured. Repeat the measurement process for each additional page.
Detailed Description: Measuring the Print Chart
For a detailed description of all the options in this dialog, see the article Measuring the Measurement Template Chart – Setting Options.
Figure 4: The Measure dialog in the Characterization step before measurement begins
- This will take you back to the characterization overview. When Expert Mode [3] (Figure 1) is enabled, you can analyze the measurement results. For a detailed description of all the analysis options in this dialog, see the article Analyzing the Measurement Data which will soon be available in the chapter Cross-Cutting Substeps.
- The next and final step is to create the characterization profile. To do this, click the Create Characterization Profile [7] button.
Figure 5: The Characterization step in Expert Mode
- This opens the Create Characterization Profile dialog.
- In the General tab, enter the name of the Color Policy, and then click Create Characterization Profile to complete this step.
Figure 6: The Create Characterization Profile dialog in the General tab
3.3. Variations
After creating the characterization profile, the resulting color policy is displayed as a variation in the Variations section [8]. The list shows the name of the color policy, the creator, the creation date, and the current status for each variation. Multiple variations can be created – each variation generates its own color policy. This allows you to generate different separation settings based on the same measurement data without having to reprint and recalibrate the Print Chart.
Please note that a variation that has already been created cannot be edited. To use the settings of an existing variation as a starting point, you have to duplicate that variation.
Figure 7: The Variations section with two variations created in the Create Characterization Profile dialog
Article update: $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW 2.2.0 – 08/2026