When it comes to book printing, color consistency is a must. You don't want some versions of your book looking faded or washed out. You want all of the colors to look as clean and crisp as possible. That's where G7 color consistency comes in.
In the book printing world, the G7 color consistency method is one of the most-popular ways to keep colors looking crisp and vibrant across different print processes and devices. The result ensures that the last printed copy of your book is as beautiful as the first.
What is G7 and how does it work?
The “G”in G7 stands for Gray, while the 7 represents the seven primary and secondary colors (red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The idea behind G7 is all about achieving a neutral balance of gray, which makes it possible to accurately produce the other colors. Printers that are G7 certified use the G7 standard to make sure that print quality is consistent, even across different materials.
If you've ever wondered how specific brand colors, like the yellow of McDonald's golden arches, are able to look the same across all of the different materials they print on, G7 is your answer. Here, we'll share more about how G7 color consistency works in book printing, how the method was originally created, how printers dealt with color inconsistencies in the past, and how to get started with your own G7 color printed book.
How was the G7 color consistency method created?
The G7 color consistency method is a relatively new invention by printing standards. It was created by Idealliance between 2004 and 2006 to set about a universal standard in color similarity from one printing run to the next. Until then, different printing processes and materials would create different outcomes.
Much of the process up until that point was based around subjective assessments on how the finished product looked, as well as very detailed printer calibration. Even with precise changes, printing color output would look different. Understandably, brands wanted to maintain their integrity, and one of the ways they stay recognizable is through their color schemes.
G7 gave printers a clear, measurable method for calibrating their devices to keep colors uniform no matter where or how they were printed. The G7 process was quickly adopted around the world. Today it's not only used for offset printing, but also digital as well.
It quickly set the standard for color management in the printing world and today, is used by thousands of professional printing companies to ensure accuracy and quality in print.
How does G7 color consistency improve book printing?
G7 certification makes sure that all parts of your book, from the cover to the spine to the pages themselves, use the right colors consistently without looking faded or washed out. This is particularly important for photographs or intricate book designs where reliable colors are a must.
Beyond this, however, there are other reasons to look for book printing companies that are G7 certified, including:
Color consistency across different printing materials
From matte pages to glossy covers and everything in between, G7 printing makes sure that colors look consistent and accurate. This allows the printers to use different types of ink as well, while making sure the end result looks easily recognizable as your unique brand.
Accurate reproduction of prints
G7 printing works by using a calibration known as neutral print density curves. This is a method used to control the balance and tones of gray and is particularly important for high-quality print books like photo books and other high-quality, full-color interiors. In lesser-quality book printings, colors can shift due to different types of printing presses. With G7 printing certification and the right calibration, you can be confident that your last print looks as good as your first.
Less downtime and better efficiency
Using G7 for book printing eliminates the need for constant and ongoing color adjustments during your book printing process. This means fewer press checks and lower costs. If you're having a large number of books printed, even minor hiccups can lead to major delays. G7 helps prevent this while maximizing quality.
Keeps books looking virtually identical
Cheaper book printings can fade over time. Reprints printed months or even years later can look different from the first version. G7 certification eliminates this, even if a different type of printer is used, or the book is printed in a different location. Having this level of precise control is important for authors who need consistently sharp, vibrant colors and designs to present their book and make a powerful first impression.
Sustainable and affordable
G7 printing standards are also good for the planet. There's less paper and ink being wasted, so the process is more environmentally friendly. It saves on material costs as well, making it a cleaner, greener way to print.
Getting started with your book printing
Now that you have a better understanding of what G7 color consistency book printing is and how it works, the question is, how do you find a book printer that's G7 certified and has the equipment and experience to print your book in consistent, high-quality color?
OnPress Book Printing is your answer. With our dedicated G7 printing process, every copy of your book will be as vibrant, crisp, and beautiful as possible using the latest in G7 color consistency printing standards. We take great pride in making sure your finished book looks as incredible as you imagine it, with gorgeous prints in full color that explore your full creativity.
We also offer a number of tools to help authors get started, including free book interior templates to properly lay out your book, and much more. We even have a guide on how to print your book in as little as three steps.
We invite you to learn more about our book printing processes and how we can help you ensure a flawless printed book from start to finish. Contact our printing experts today or learn more at OnPressBookPrinting.com.
