Technical committee Prepress technology

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Topics

Every single person at Fogra stands for research, testing and certification.

We deal with the preparation of print and media data including correct colour management. Other areas such as digital transformation, using artificial intelligence or 3D printing are also covered.

Fogra core competence prepress technology

The research projects deal with all aspects of the media production workflow. Colour – i.e. colour management – is the most important factor in image acquisition, data preparation, visual appraisal and both soft and hard copy proofing.

Research

Medienvorstufe Prepress technology 03/11/2025

The next meeting of the TC Prepress technology will take place on 11 March 2025 in Munich-Aschheim at the Fogra.

We evaluate any type of print artefacts or the coordination between prepress and press. This includes prints that are erroneously referred to as contract proofs, but which are not colour-binding and can therefore lead to serious approval problems.

We also thoroughly check raster images as well as complex PDF files. Complications and complaints are usually caused by print data that has not been prepared correctly.

Another focus is on expert opinions that help print buyers to objectively assess their CI colours and help the relevant print service providers to implement these specifications.

Especially in data preparation there is not always the standard solution. We advise you individually, if data and print do not want to match (again).

testing

print proof with colour measurement device

Prerequisites for professional colour communication are perfect print data, colour-accurate proof prints and correct matching conditions. Do not leave it to chance, but rely on the FograCert test programme.

Certification

Contract Proof Creation

Do not rely on a colored printout or an old print called a “proof”. Only the Fogra Media Wedge CMYK V3 and compliance with the tolerances of the established ISO 12647-7 ensure a legally compliant and colour-accurate digital proof.

Contract Proofing System

This certification is aimed at test pressure system providers and serves as proof of the conformity of their product with the criteria of ISO 12647-7.

Validation Print Creation

Following the model of the proofing standard ISO 12647-7, the criteria and tolerances for design proofs were defined in ISO 12647-8. Rely on more binding and predictable colours already in the creation process!

Validation Printing System

This certification is aimed at digital printing system providers and serves as proof of the conformity of their product with the criteria of ISO 12647-8.

Softproof Monitor

A colour-consistent display on the monitor is no magic trick, even if there are many pitfalls in practice. We have developed the necessary criteria and tolerances in our research projects and have decisively initiated the corresponding ISO standards 12646 (Monitor Cert) and 14861 (Softproof System).

Fogra employee works on sampling of colours

Colour Viewing

“Colours are actions of light” said Goethe - and whoever reads on finds the expression “ ... actions and suffering”. Compliance with all criteria of ISO 3664 prevents deeds from becoming suffering. Insist on the FograCert certification!

Proofing Susbstrates

With this certification, manufacturers prove that their test print substrate (proof paper) conforms to ISO 12647-7 and is suitable for test print production with regard to desired reference printing conditions.