ISO 12641-1-2025 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 12641-1-2025 — Graphic technology — Prepress digital data exchange — Part 1: Colour targets for input scanner calibration. This International Standard specifies the layout and the colourimetric values of transmissive and reflective targets used to calibrate photographic product / input scanner combinations used in prepress and publishing workflows (includes one target for positive colour transparency film and one for colour photographic paper).

Abstract

Defines layout, patch sets and reference colourimetric values for scanner calibration targets intended to support consistent input profiling and colour reproduction in preparatory processes for printing and publishing. The document gives standardized target layouts for transmissive (positive transparency) and reflective (photographic paper) media to enable repeatable measurement and exchange of target data.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: February 2025 (Edition 2, 2025-02)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 35.240.30; 37.100.99
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2025)
• Number of pages: 26

(Source and bibliographic details from the ISO record for ISO 12641-1:2025.)

Scope

Specifies the physical layout, colour patch selection and normative colourimetric values for standard colour targets used when calibrating an input scanner together with a particular photographic product (film or paper). The standard is intended to be used where consistent scanner input characterization is required as part of prepress and publishing chains; it does not cover self‑emissive targets.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized target layouts for transmissive (positive colour transparency) and reflective (photographic paper) targets.
• Normative colourimetric target patch values and their intended measurement conditions to enable comparable scanner calibration.
• Guidance for target use in photographic product / scanner calibration workflows (prepress preparation for printing and publishing).
• Compatibility with electronic target data exchange practices (useful alongside CxF target-data formats).
• Intended to support reproducible profiling and colour management downstream in colour production chains.

Typical use and users

Used by prepress and reprographic specialists, scanner and imaging equipment manufacturers, colour management engineers, photographic labs and print production houses that require standardized input-targets for producing reliable scanner profiles and consistent colour capture in publishing workflows. Typical tasks include producing or printing targets, measuring patches with spectrophotometers, and generating scanner ICC profiles or characterization data for downstream colour conversions.

Related standards

ISO 12641 is a multi‑part series. Relevant related documents include ISO 12641-2 (Advanced colour targets for input scanner calibration — framework for advanced layouts and reporting), and ISO 17972-2 (CxF/X scanner target data exchange) which defines electronic exchange constructs for scanner target data and metadata referenced by ISO 12641. Other ISO 12640/12641/12640-series parts for CIELAB image data and related prepress colour exchange formats are also relevant in colour workflows.

Keywords

colour targets, scanner calibration, prepress, digital data exchange, transmissive targets, reflective targets, photographic film, photographic paper, ISO 12641, CxF, colourimetric values, colour management

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: An ISO international standard that defines standard colour targets (layout and reference colourimetric values) for calibrating input scanners when used with photographic products (positive transparency film and colour photographic paper).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers target layout, patch selection and normative colourimetric values for the specified transmissive and reflective calibration targets and guidance for their use in scanner calibration within prepress and publishing preparation workflows. It does not define self‑emissive target types.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Prepress operators, repro houses, photographic labs, scanner manufacturers, colour management specialists and anyone producing scanner profiles or characterizing image-capture chains for consistent colour reproduction in print and publishing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 12641-1:2025 is the current published edition (Edition 2, published February 2025) and replaces the earlier ISO 12641-1:2016 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 12641 is a multi-part series for prepress digital data exchange (e.g., Part 2: advanced colour targets). It is associated with other prepress/colour exchange standards such as ISO 17972-2 (CxF scanner target data) and other ISO 12640/12641 parts maintained under ISO/TC 130.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Colour targets; scanner calibration; prepress digital data exchange; photographic transparency; photographic paper; colourimetric reference; CxF; ISO 12641.