ISO TS 10128-2023 PDF

Full title and description

Graphic technology — Methods of adjustment of the colour reproduction of a printing system to match a set of characterization data. This technical specification describes procedures and four principal methods for adjusting the digital input data to achieve consistent printed results across presses and proofing systems, and for determining and applying the necessary correction curves and transforms.

Abstract

ISO/TS 10128:2023 specifies methods to adjust the colour reproduction of CMYK-based printing systems so that printed output matches a defined set of characterization data (the aim condition). The document describes four methods — matching of tone value curves (TVI/CTV), use of near-neutral scales, a colour‑optimised correction curve set, and CMYK→CMYK multi-dimensional transforms — and gives procedures for establishing aim conditions, deriving correction curves and comparing method applicability.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: November 15, 2023.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.100.10 (Reproduction equipment / Graphic technology).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (ed. 2.0, 2023).
• Number of pages: 14 pages (official ISO publication).

Scope

This Technical Specification provides methods and procedures for adjusting the digital content data supplied to printing systems so that the printed results conform to a chosen set of characterization (aim) data. The procedures are intended for systems that use CMYK colourants and cover traditional ink‑on‑paper printing as well as proofing and digital printing technologies used in colour management and press matching. The document also compares the applicability and limitations of the described adjustment methods.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and establishment of an aim condition (target characterization data) for a printing workflow.
• Method 1 — Matching of tone value increase curves (TVI and compensated TVI / CTV) to control tonal response across presses.
• Method 2 — Use of near‑neutral scales to minimise hue shifts and ensure neutral grey stability.
• Method 3 — Colour‑optimised correction curve sets: deriving and applying sets of curves designed to bring press outputs closer to the aim.
• Method 4 — Multi‑dimensional CMYK→CMYK transforms (lookup tables/multi‑dimensional transforms) for complex colour remapping between characterization datasets.
• Procedures for measurement, derivation and verification of correction curves and transforms, and guidance on method selection depending on equipment and workflow.

Typical use and users

Primary users include colour management engineers, prepress specialists, proofing and pressroom technicians, print service providers, OEMs of proofing and digital printing equipment, and organisations establishing or maintaining press matching and process control regimes. The specification is used when defining aim conditions, implementing press calibration workflows, producing validation proofs, or comparing colour adjustment strategies across multiple presses or sites.

Related standards

ISO/TS 10128:2023 is produced under ISO/TC 130 and replaces the 2009 edition (ISO/TS 10128:2009). It is commonly used alongside other graphic technology standards such as the ISO 12647 series (process control and characterization for various printing processes), ISO 13655 (spectral measurement and colourimetric computation for graphic arts) and ISO 3664 (viewing conditions for critical colour appraisal). These companion standards address measurement methods, process parameters and viewing/lighting conditions that are complementary to the adjustment methods in ISO/TS 10128.

Keywords

colour reproduction, printing system adjustment, CMYK, aim condition, tone value increase (TVI), compensated TVI (CTV), correction curves, CMYK to CMYK transform, colour management, press matching, ISO/TC 130.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/TS 10128:2023 is a Technical Specification from ISO (ISO/TC 130) that defines methods to adjust digital input data so that printed output from CMYK printing systems matches a chosen set of characterization data (aim condition).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers four primary adjustment approaches (TVI/CTV matching, near‑neutral scales, colour‑optimised correction curve sets, and multi‑dimensional CMYK→CMYK transforms), plus procedures to establish aim conditions, derive correction data, and compare method applicability across printing and proofing systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Colour management and prepress engineers, pressroom and proofing technicians, print service providers, equipment manufacturers and standards bodies who need repeatable methods for press matching and colour adjustment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO/TS 10128:2023 was published in November 2023 and supersedes ISO/TS 10128:2009.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within the family of ISO graphic technology standards (ISO/TC 130), and is typically applied together with related standards such as the ISO 12647 process‑control series, ISO 13655 (measurement) and ISO 3664 (viewing conditions).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Colour reproduction, CMYK, aim condition, tone value curves (TVI/CTV), correction curves, CMYK→CMYK transforms, press matching, colour management.