ISO 13655-2017 PDF

Full title and description

Graphic technology — Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation for graphic arts images. ISO 13655:2017 specifies procedures for spectral measurement and the colourimetric computation of parameters for graphic-arts objects including reflective, transmissive and emissive media and for graphics produced by printing processes and displays.

Abstract

ISO 13655:2017 defines measurement procedures and colourimetric computation methods appropriate for objects that reflect, transmit or emit light (for example printed materials and flat-panel displays). It covers computation of colourimetric parameters for graphic-arts images used in prepress and production printing, and clarifies measurement conditions to improve correlation between instrumental data and visual appraisal. The standard excludes spectral measurement procedures intended specifically for material production (for example paper manufacture).

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: July 2017.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.100.01 (Graphic technology).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (ISO 13655:2017).
• Number of pages: 49 (ISO edition).

Scope

The standard sets out procedures for spectral measurement and the colourimetric computation of graphic-arts images for a wide range of printed and displayed media. It applies to reflective, transmissive and emissive objects and to common production printing processes (offset, flexography, gravure, screen, digital and others). It does not attempt to replace specialised spectral methods used in raw-material production (for example paper manufacture). The standard also defines measurement conditions intended to align instrument results with visual appraisal under standardized viewing conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and prerequisites for instruments used in graphic-arts spectral measurement (geometry, instrument stability and calibration requirements).
• Specified measurement conditions and modes (commonly referenced as M0, M1, M2 and M3) to control UV content and polarisation and to ensure comparability of results.
• Requirements for spectral measurement of reflective, transmissive and emissive samples and for conversion of spectral data to colourimetric values using standard observer and illuminant definitions.
• Guidance to correlate instrument-measured colour values with visual appearance under D50 viewing conditions (to reduce metamerism and OBA-related discrepancies).
• Procedures for reporting spectral data and computed colourimetric parameters, including recommended references to relevant CIE publications used in the computations.

Typical use and users

Used by colour scientists, prepress and production-printing professionals, QA laboratories, instrument manufacturers and colour-management specialists for consistent colour measurement, instrument specification, process control and proofing validation. The standard helps align instrument data with visual evaluations in viewing booths and supports interchange of measurement results between organisations.

Related standards

Commonly used together with viewing-condition and process-control standards such as ISO 3664 (viewing conditions — D50 reference) and the ISO 12647 family (process control for offset and other printing processes). ISO 13655:2017 supersedes ISO 13655:2009 and references relevant CIE publications (for observer functions, illuminants and colourimetry).

Keywords

spectral measurement, colorimetric computation, graphic arts, M0, M1, M2, M3, D50, viewing conditions, spectrophotometer, optical brightening agents, colour management, ISO/TC 130.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 13655:2017 is an international standard that specifies spectral measurement procedures and colourimetric computation methods for graphic-arts images (reflective, transmissive and emissive).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers instrument prerequisites and geometry, recommended measurement modes (M0–M3) to control UV and polarisation effects, conversion of spectral data to colourimetric parameters, and guidance to align instrument results with visual evaluation under standard viewing conditions.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Colour scientists, prepress professionals, printers, QA labs, instrument manufacturers and colour-management specialists use the standard to obtain reproducible, comparable colour measurements and to support proofing and production workflows.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 13655:2017 (Edition 3) is the current ISO edition; the 2017 version was published in July 2017 and was reviewed and confirmed in 2022. It supersedes ISO 13655:2009.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is maintained by ISO/TC 130 (Graphic technology) and is commonly used alongside related ISO print and viewing standards (for example ISO 3664 and ISO 12647 series) and with CIE colourimetry publications for observer and illuminant definitions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Spectral measurement, colorimetry, M0/M1/M2/M3, D50, viewing conditions, optical brightening agents, graphic arts, spectrophotometer.