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SMS for design and advertising Getting started with SMS colours SMS BLOCKS

SMS for print Printers (in all categories) SMS READY - or not?

SMS test forms to test accuracy in printing to Fogra or G7 standards

The trademarks/logos we use for this test are not necesserely in their exactly correct colours, as described in their respective brand standards and are the property of their respective owners.

They were downloaded in EPS format from an open source website and placed as they are into the layout and are in no way intended as a promotion for those companies.

The Spot Matching System is originally built for use when designing logos, due to it's unique ability to keep SMS CMYK colours uniform when printed on coated or uncoated paper, which is why we took this opportunity to pick out a few well known logos to demonstrate this visually.

Please make sure to print this test form in full accordance with your printing standard, - correct ink density and tonal value increase / dotgain according to the standard.

If you have a proofing solution (software and proofing device) capable of printing certified contract proofs according to ISO 12647-7-2016, of course you can first proof the test forms to see exactly what they should look like. In this case you might consider applying to become a formal SMS READY Proofing Facility - enabling you to provide certified contract proofs to SMS customers in your area (see further information here). 

Printing the SMS test forms - production printing (offset, gravure, flexo, digital):

For the Fogra 51 testform see if you can find production paper/substrate with a white point close to L=95.0  A=1.5 and B = -6.0.

For the Fogra 52 testform select uncoated paper close to the white point L=93.5, A=2.5 and B=-10.

If you are printing the Fogra 39 testform,  please locate coated paper with a white point close to L=95, A=0 and B=-2.

To print the Fogra 47 testform try to find uncoated paper with the white point L=95, A=0 and B=-2.

These are exactly the white points used by Fogra. Please contact sms@spot-nordic.com if you are unable to find paper that is close to these white points to check if your test paper is ok to use. We can also suggest papertypes that are very close to the above targets.

For the G7/GRACoL test forms:

For the CRPC3 (Uncoated Premium paper) try to locate uncoated stock with the white point L=95, A=1 and B=-4.

For the CRPC6 (Coated, Premium paper) use Coated paper with the white point L=95, A=1 and B=4 (same).

The measurement condition you should use when you measure the (fully dry) SMS colours is M1 D50/2° - see https://www.xrite.com/page/learn-more-about-m-standards).

The instrument you could use for this is for instance Xrite i1Pro2, Xrite Exact or TECHKON SpectroDens.

The form size is 22,5 cm x 32 cm.

The fulcrums above the 6 SMS colours are 100% solid primary CMYK and 50% right below.
They are simply put there to emphasize that your Printer needs to keep a special eye on this part of the job and make sure that the density and dotgain is correct right there on your OK sheet.

Once printed, leave to dry and then measure:

Write the CIELAB (M1) values of the 6 SMS colours from top to bottom onto the sheet.

SMS Yellow

SMS Red

SMS Green

SMS Blue

SMS Black

SMS Purple

Plus the light blue background colour.

We also need you to measure and provide us with:

The white point of the paper.

The CIELAB values of the 100% Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black above the SMS colour ramp.

Please write your LAB values with an accuracy of 0.01 (Example L=25.38, A=44.26, B=78.56.

Scan the sheet and send in jpg format to sms@spot-nordic.com.

If all CIELAB values of the SMS colours are within a dE00 of 3, you are eligible to subscribe to SMS and apply for your SMS READY badge.

We will take into account the actual white point of you paper.

Please apply for the badge (standard and tolerance) that safely applies in your opinion:

Available badges are:

Gold: Average DE2000 of 1 or less from target to print.

Silver: Average DE2000 of 2 or less from target to print.

Bronze: Average DE2000 of 3 or less from target to print.

SMS colours for your displays

Once you have printed the test forms for coated and uncoated paper according to your print standard, the background colour and the SMS colours should be almost identical between the coated and uncoated paper.

If this is not the so, please contact sms@spot-nordic.com.

If you reached a DE2000 of 2 or less between the CIELAB values here above and your printed job, take this opportunity to look at the test form here above. This version is converted to sRGB, so what you see on your monitor should look almost identical to your print. Pay special attention to the SMS colours and consider adjusting your display, if there is a visual difference.

It is also a good idea for you  to adjust the display of your tablet and your smart phone, if you intend to use those devices for evaluation of SMS colours in the future.

Download the SMS test form for printing according to Fogra 51.

Download the SMS test form for printing according to Fogra 52.

Download the SMS test form for printing according to Fogra 39.

Download the SMS test form for printing according to Fogra 47.

Download the SMS test form for printing according to GRACoL CRPC6.

Download the SMS test form for printing according to GRACoL CRPC3.

In general

It is not a condition to have a formal PSO or G7 certification to be SMS READY, but we recommend formal certifications for Printers, just like we recommend taking advantage of the best available solutions available for process control in prepress and on press for best possible outcome.

It is simply up to each Printer to decide whether or not they are ready to commit to keeping ISO certified SMS CMYK colours within an average DE2000 of 3 or less from an ISO certified contract proof according to ISO 12647-7-2016, - Fogra 51 proofing media for coated paper, Fogra 52 proofing media for uncoated paper, in their respective field of printing.

We reserve our right to not renew SMS READY subscriptions of Printers that fail to print to our standards, based on comparing proof to print.

If you have successfully printed the SMS test forms and would like to subscribe and get your SMS badge, please refer to www.spotmatchingsystem.com/Printers or contact sms@spot-nordic.com if you are a manufacturer - see www.spotmatchingsystem.com/technical/smsready

It is a very good idea to print a few hundred copies of the SMS test forms that you can use as a physical proof of your ability to print according to standards and to send out to current and prospective customers to promote your printshop.

Printshops that subscribe - SMS READY printshops, are allowed to print their own SMS colour guides for promotion and gifts to their customers, as well as for inhouse work. Please contact sms@spot-nordic.com if you are planning this. We only have a few conditions that have to do with copyright etc.

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SMS and the environment         SMS news         Interesting links      SMS: How, why and when       SMS Q&A