PRINTING United Alliance is proud to announce the G7+™ System Certification Program, a new certification designed to evaluate a candidate system’s ability to calibrate and/or validate printing systems to G7+ specifications as defined in the G7+ Definitions and Algorithms documentation . Successful G7+ calibration is determined by performance in grayscale tonality, gray balance, and High-Density Smoothing (HDS), using defined metrics and tolerances.
G7+ represents the next step in the evolution of G7: an evolutionary upgrade that preserves the value of existing G7 workflows while expanding capability for today’s broader mix of print technologies, substrates, and applications. It introduces three key innovations:
- Simplified, improved tonality that can improve image appearance on low-contrast substrates while maintaining the classic G7 look on standard print conditions.
- Improved gray balance that delivers a more consistent “shared neutral appearance” across a wider range of print conditions and improves tolerance to substrate correction challenges.
- High-Density Smoothing (HDS) to help stabilize and smooth high-density behavior as optional functionality, supporting better visual results and improved performance in challenging high-density regions.
Built by the industry, for the industry
G7+ System Certification verifies that a system can meet specific G7+ calibration requirements. The program recognizes multiple implementation paths, allowing innovation while maintaining consistency both by traditional curve generation or through profiles and hybrid methods of achieving calibration.
The G7+ System Certification procedure is governed by PRINTING United Alliance with support from its Print Properties Committee (PPC), and submissions/testing are coordinated through the Alliance’s third-party evaluation laboratory at RIT.
G7+ System Certification gives technology providers a clear, credible way to demonstrate that their solutions can deliver repeatable, standards-based G7+ calibration and verification—backed by defined evaluation methods and tolerances. Certification is awarded to the specific version evaluated (DFE/RIP/workflow/software) and is maintained annually.
Each certified system includes documentation of the calibration procedure, enabling print buyers and printers to make informed technology decisions along with the assurance that the system delivers G7+ based calibration and production.
Just as importantly, the program is built to support the future of standards: certified systems must be able to switch between the initial Reference Print Condition (RPC) and an alternate RPC provided during testing, supporting adaptability as reference conditions evolve.
Why printers should look for G7+ System Certified technology
Printers and production teams increasingly need calibration methods that scale across technologies and substrates while maintaining a predictable neutral appearance. Choosing G7+ System Certified technology helps reduce guesswork by confirming that the system has been demonstrated as capable of meeting defined G7+ calibration standards and reporting methods.
While system Certification verifies system capability, it does not guarantee every installation will always meet tolerances in day-to-day production. Site-level performance is addressed through shop/facility compliance, such as G7+ Master Certification.
Getting started
Technology providers interested in G7+ System Certification are encouraged to visit printing.org to begin the submission process and review program requirements and documentation expectations. Printers and print buyers should ask vendors whether their workflow/DFE/RIP solution is G7+ System Certified and request the published ADS to understand supported methods and options.