In September 2025, ColorPro explored the industry’s progress toward a more unified approach to reference print conditions in “Unifying Print Through Standards: The Power of Reference Print Conditions in a Global Industry.” That article examined how standardized reference print conditions provide a common foundation for predictable color reproduction—and why the development of a Universal Characterization Dataset (UCD) could represent an important step toward greater global alignment.
That work is now moving forward with another round of international testing focusing on theRGB to CMYK separation of the profile and to ensure it is of the quality end users expect.
Based on this focused test, there is no need to produce printed samples. If you choose to participate, the testing required is converting CIELAB or RGB test targets and images to CMYK using the Universal-Coated_Data_2026_final candidate ICC profile.
ISO Technical Committee 130 (ISO/TC 130), Working Group 3, is inviting print service providers, technology developers, color-management professionals, and other industry stakeholders to participate in the latest evaluation of the proposed UCD. This new round of testing is now open, with results due by October 23, 2026.
Two methods of testing are suggested. Users are also free to test additionally as they see fit.
Suggested Test 1:
- Convert a neutral gray ramp to CMYK using Relative Colorimetric with black point compensation in Adobe Photoshop.
- Examine the CMYK File without the “Black Channel on” and observe the neutrality of the three color CMY channels.
Suggested Test 2:
- Convert a representative sample of RGB images and observe the quality of the CMYK files produced on the monitor using Adobe Photoshop.
- How do the CMYK files compare to files Fogra 51 and GRACoL® 2013, or your current house CMYK color space.
Participants can obtain the test profile and characterization data at https://www.color.org/ucd4test/.
Participants will be asked to complete a brief survey to provide their feedback, available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UCDTEST26 or
The submitted feedback and any accompanying data will be reviewed by the Working Group during upcoming WG3 meetings. Findings from this round will help guide validation of the dataset.
Organizations do not need to be members of the ISO working group to contribute unless otherwise specified in the participation requirements. Any qualified operation capable of following the testing procedure is encouraged to take part.
What a Universal Dataset Could Mean for Print
The potential benefits of the UCD extend throughout the print supply chain.
For print service providers, a common global dataset could simplify calibration, characterization, proofing, process control, and communication with international customers. It could also reduce the need to maintain different workflows solely to accommodate regional reference conditions.
For designers, prepress professionals, and color-management specialists, greater alignment could make it easier to prepare and exchange files with a clearer expectation of the intended printed appearance.
For brands and print buyers, a unified reference could support greater consistency across suppliers, regions, and production technologies. That consistency can reduce uncertainty, minimize avoidable corrections and approvals, and strengthen confidence that brand colors and creative intent will be preserved wherever the work is produced.
The UCD may also help provide a stronger common foundation for emerging workflow technologies. Automated color adjustment, cloud-based quality systems, device-to-device color matching, and data-driven process control all depend on clearly defined and broadly understood reference aims.
Help Shape the Next Stage
The first phase of UCD testing began the process of evaluating whether a more unified global color reference could work in practice. This next round expands that effort and gives the international print community another opportunity to help shape the result.
Meaningful standards are not developed in isolation. They are strengthened through testing, technical review, open discussion, and the participation of the people who will ultimately put them to work.
PRINTING United Alliance encourages eligible printers, manufacturers, solution providers, and color professionals to participate in this next round of UCD testing. Every properly produced and documented test adds valuable information to the development process and helps move the industry closer to a more consistent global language for print.
To download the testing package and participation instructions, visit https://www.color.org/ucd4test/. Questions may be directed to Jordan Gorski, Vice President, Global Standards & Certification, PRINTING United Alliance at jgorski@printing.org.
GRACoL® is a trademark of PRINTING United Alliance.