G7* is a revolutionary new calibration method that delivers consistent gray scale appearance on virtually any type of color imaging process. By defining neutral density, neutral contrast and gray balance unambiguously, G7 helps define the whole color space and brings ‘printing to the numbers’ a step closer to reality in virtually any color imaging process.
The gray balance and neutral tone scales defined within the G7 Specification have been used as the basis for the new IDEAlliance* SWOP™ and GRACoL™ standardized characterization data sets. These and other G7-based printing specifications exhibit a ‘shared appearance’ that makes the exchange of files and proofs easier, safer and more predictable.
Proficiency in G7 is rapidly becoming a requirement by brands, publishers, ad agencies and print buyers who want consistent, high-quality color from diversified suppliers and media. Print providers have in turn discovered that G7 helps them produce more consistent color more easily and efficiently than by traditional methods.
G7 users who have been trained by an IDEAlliance-certified "G7 Expert" can choose to be listed as "G7 Masters" at www.g7global.org, where they can be found easily by print buyers who see G7 as a reliable indicator of color quality. As the inventor of G7, HutchColor, LLC offers the most thorough and timely G7 training available, in fact every G7 Expert in the world today has been personally trained by Don Hutcheson.
* G7, IDEAlliance, GRACoL, and SWOP are trademarks of IDEAlliance - International Digital Enterprise Alliance
http://www.idealliance.org/
Choose from the following G7 training modules, or get all four in one integrated package.
G7 proofing
How to calibrate a proofing system by the G7 method.
Using color management to match a G7-calibrated proofing system to the latest GRACoL* or SWOP* appearance specifications.
How to determine if client-supplied proofs are G7-compliant.
Helping suppliers and clients move to G7-based proofing.
How to work with those who aren't yet using G7.
G7 proof verification
Not sure if your proofs (or those you're receiving) are G7-compliant? We can test them for you, or show you how to do your own testing.
Individual proof verification requires printing the 2007 IDEAlliance ISO 12647-7 Control Strip on EVERY proof, measuring the strip with an automated spectrophotometer, and comparing the measurements to a "reference" set of CIELab values in suitable software.
G7 in the pressroom
How to calibrate a press or proofing system using the G7 methodology.
Using the new G7 Press Bar with hand-held and automated devices.
Printing "to the numbers" using G7 press control.
Understanding the difference between make-ready and run control.
Establishing reasonable tolerances between press and proof.
Features and benefits of G7 press control - selling the G7 concept to your staff and clients.
G7 pre-press workflows
Making CMYK files optimized for G7 proofing and printing.
Using "standard" ICC profiles for SWOP and GRACoL vs. custom in-house profiles.
GCR - how much is enough? Are there any negative side-effects?
Maximum black ink value, 95, 98, 100%?
How to determine if supplied CMYK files are G7-ready.
What to do if they are not.
G7 training courses are typically 1 to 5 days, depending on content and skill level. Call or email for a detailed analysis of your company's needs.
Services at a management or planning level include..
ROI of color management
Benefits and limitations - how much can you save - how much should you spend?
Site audits
What you need to improve - or confirmation that you're doing it right already
Software and hardware
Unbiased recommendations with no strings or obligations
Workflow
Planning new workflows and optimizing existing ones
Technical support
Hourly, daily and annual tech support contracts available
Unlike some color management companies, we do NOT offer profiling services. Instead we train you to make your own profiles from scratch using your own software and equipment (a much better use of your training dollars). Then we teach you how to use your profiles most effectively in your actual workflow, and what to do if something changes (which you can pretty much count on). All training is customized to your specific needs, so you don't pay for what you don't need.
General ICC training
Principles and theory of ICC color management
How to make state-of-the-art ICC profiles (what the manual didn't tell you)
How to test and edit ICC profiles
Soft proofing - how to make it REALLY work and save big bucks too
Communicating color safely between departments or companiesPhotography and design training
Color management on a limited budget (harvesting the food-chain)
How to make the most of color management in digital photography
How and when to custom-profile a camera, (and when it's better NOT to)
Hassle-free color management for designers and artists
Sending files - how to make sure the color on press is the color you wantedPre-press and publishing training
Benefits and requirements of an RGB workflow
Why scanning in RGB beats the pants off scanning direct to CMYK
Drum vs. flat bed scanners - is there a difference? What should you buy?
How and when to use RGB techniques when the output is CMYK
How to retouch in RGB for faster, more realistic image corrections
How to process files from unknown sources
How to calibrate and profile a digital proofing system to industry standards
How to maintain and control a proofing system for consistent results
Opportunity assessment
You wrote the killer ap - but will it sell?Product development and testing
If we can't break it it's probably goodAlgorithm development
Combining color science and practical experience of previous color software projects
Unlike most consultants, we neither sell nor accept finders' fees on software or hardware. All our recommendations are based solely on merit. You can buy software or hardware from many sources, including the vendors listed on our Reviews page.
