Beyond CMYK: A New Standard for Color Reproduction

Color continues to be a hot topic in the printing industry, with many print service providers (PSPs) constantly on the hunt for resources and tools to improve consistency and increase gamut. In the recent PRINTING United Alliance webinar, “Getting Started with the New Alliance ECG Profile: Practical Tips and How to Use,” Ron Ellis, G7 expert trainer and industry consultant, explored the new seven-color expanded color gamut (ECG) profile and data set.

The webinar took place on March 19, 2025 and is now available for free on-demand with registration. Visit ilearningplus.org to learn more and gain access to the webinar.

Key ECG Takeaways and Industry Trends

ECG is a method of printing that uses additional colors and allows the reproduction of much more vivid and colorful prints. The profile, developed by the Print Properties Committee, standardizes seven-color printing, expanding the color gamut beyond RGB and CMYK. Key components of the kit include a seven-color CMYK, orange, green, and violet profile; a seven-color data set; and targets, guidelines, control strips, and test forms.

Ellis kicked off the webinar by outlining the roughly six-year development process of the ECG profile by the Print Properties Committee. During that time, the team established measurable targets that all major manufacturers can now support. “Instead of just having one special target for a manufacturer or of the system, we can actually have one that’s universal,” Ellis said.

In addition, the team validated the inks and conducted around 15 test runs, emphasizing the care and time taken to create a strong data set and user profiles.

One trend evident over the years is the need for standardization. Ellis highlighted this necessity, comparing the current state of ECG to the standardization of CMYK profiles 20 years ago. With the new ECG profile, the goal is that “a designer could take this profile, they could design to it, come up with an idea and visualization of what it should look like, and then be able to give that to a printer, and they should be able to print to it,” Ellis explained.

Ellis transitioned to the central part of the webinar by outlining practical applications of the ECG profile, including calibration, creating separations, and even proofing.

• Separation and Workflow: One demonstration that Ellis presented during the webinar showed the process of separating a color using ColorLogic ColorAnt, emphasizing that there are many tools available to achieve this.
• Proofing and Visualization: Ellis showcased ChromaChecker as an example for validating ECG prints and illustrated how ECG can enhance color vibrancy and efficiency in printing.

Ellis concluded the webinar by highlighting the potential of ECG for designers to create more vibrant designs. He acknowledged that while some aspects of the process may appear complex and costly, the ability of ECG to help brands distinguish their products justifies the time and effort needed for implementation. Ultimately, the advantages of using an expanded gamut can also include improved press efficiency, reduced printing costs, and enhanced color reproduction.

As color continues to be a trending topic and one that many PSPs look to learn more about, the ECG profile serves as a way to support and enhance capabilities. Coupled with an expanded color gamut course available on iLEARNING+, those that engage with this webinar can learn practical tips for using ECG.

Click here to watch the full webinar, “Getting Started with the New Alliance ECG Profile: Practical Tips and How to Use.”