GRACoL®: Specifications for Print Quality Excellence


What Is GRACoL®?

GRACOL logo

GRACoL® (General Requirements for Applications in Commercial Offset Lithography) is a comprehensive set of specifications developed by the PRINTING United Alliance and its Idealliance Print Properties Committee. Built collaboratively with print buyers, designers, and printers, GRACoL helps streamline communication, ensure consistent output, and support quality control across commercial printing environments.

The GRACoL framework—originally created by Idealliance—is a foundation of modern print production, used worldwide to drive consistency and color accuracy from design to press.

Tools and Downloads

Get free access to the latest GRACoL and SWOP datasets, ICC profiles, control wedges, and test charts. These tools support calibration, proofing, and color management for offset, digital, and expanded gamut workflows.

Access these tools and more via iLEARNING+:

  • GRACoL 2013 ICC Profile and Datasets (CRPC6)
  • CCNB GRACoL Dataset and Profile (M1 optimized for clay-coated newsback)
  • GRACoL/SWOP 2006 Characterization Data Sets and ICC Profiles
  • ISO/PAS 15339 ICC Profiles and Reference Print Conditions
  • PrintWide Dataset – ultra-wide CMYK profile for expanded gamut reproduction
  • XCMYK Dataset and Profiles – enhanced gamut for digital and offset
  • Uncoated UV Profile – for UV-curable ink workflows
  • ISO 12647-7: 2013 3-Row Control Wedge (Standard and Large Aperture)
  • IT8.7/5 TC1617 Target – G7-compatible CMYK target
  • Textile and Industrial Control Wedges – for wide format, industrial, and fabric printing
  • Observer Metamerism White Paper – guidance on display-based color inconsistencies
  • Substrate Relativity Calculator Kit – recalculate profiles for custom substrates
  • Lighting & Proof-to-Press Kit – improve match using SCCA adjustments

Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) Project

Developed by the PRINTING United Alliance Print Properties and Colorimetric Council, the ECG Project defines a 7-color (CMYK+OGV) print condition for consistent, predictable expanded gamut printing. ECG tools and charts help printers simulate more brand colors using fewer spot inks, ideal for packaging and high-impact applications.

Become a G7+TM Expert—Master GRACoL® Implementation

Want to get the most out of GRACoL? Earn your G7+ Certification to gain hands-on skills in calibration, profiling, and color management. Learn how to apply GRACoL specifications effectively—and become an industry-recognized print quality leader.