> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.printery.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# ICC Profiles Reference

> Complete reference of standard ICC color profiles for print

## ICC Profile Quick Reference

This comprehensive table helps you choose the right ICC profile for your print project based on region, paper type, and printing method.

<Note>
  **Most common**: ISO Coated v2 300% (Europe/International, coated paper) and GRACoL 2006 (USA, coated paper) cover 80% of commercial print jobs.
</Note>

## Standard ICC Profiles Table

### Coated Paper Profiles

**For glossy, matte coated, or silk paper stocks**

| Profile Name                     | Region                | TAC  | Paper Type          | Printing Method  | Use When                                           |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------- | ---- | ------------------- | ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| **ISO Coated v2 300%** (FOGRA39) | Europe, International | 330% | Coated glossy/matte | Offset           | Most European print shops, international standard  |
| **ISO Coated v2 300% (FOGRA39)** | Europe                | 330% | Coated              | Sheet-fed offset | High-quality commercial printing in Europe         |
| **PSO Coated v3** (FOGRA51)      | Europe                | 300% | Coated              | Modern offset    | Updated European standard (2014), premium printing |
| **GRACoL 2006 (Coated v2)**      | USA, Canada           | 300% | Coated              | Sheet-fed offset | US commercial printing standard                    |
| **SWOP 2006 (Coated v3)**        | USA                   | 300% | Coated              | Web offset       | US publication printing (magazines, catalogs)      |
| **Japan Color 2001 Coated**      | Japan, Asia           | 350% | Coated              | Offset           | Japanese printing standard                         |
| **Coated GRACoL 2006**           | USA                   | 300% | Coated              | Sheet-fed        | US high-quality commercial work                    |

### Uncoated Paper Profiles

**For natural, uncoated, textured paper stocks**

| Profile Name                  | Region | TAC  | Paper Type | Printing Method  | Use When                           |
| ----------------------------- | ------ | ---- | ---------- | ---------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| **PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52)** | Europe | 260% | Uncoated   | Offset           | European uncoated paper standard   |
| **ISO Uncoated** (FOGRA47)    | Europe | 300% | Uncoated   | Offset           | Older European uncoated standard   |
| **GRACoL 2006 Uncoated**      | USA    | 260% | Uncoated   | Sheet-fed offset | US uncoated paper printing         |
| **SWOP 2006 Grade 3**         | USA    | 260% | Uncoated   | Web offset       | US newsprint and lower-grade paper |

### Newsprint Profiles

**For newspaper printing**

| Profile Name                   | Region        | TAC  | Paper Type | Printing Method    | Use When                    |
| ------------------------------ | ------------- | ---- | ---------- | ------------------ | --------------------------- |
| **ISOnewspaper26v4** (FOGRA30) | Europe        | 240% | Newsprint  | Coldset web offset | European newspaper printing |
| **SWOP 2006 Grade 5**          | USA           | 240% | Newsprint  | Web offset         | US newspaper printing       |
| **SC Paper** (FOGRA30)         | International | 240% | Newsprint  | Web offset         | Standard newsprint profile  |

### Digital Press Profiles

**For digital/toner-based printing**

| Profile Name            | Region        | TAC  | Paper Type | Printing Method | Use When                                  |
| ----------------------- | ------------- | ---- | ---------- | --------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| **Fogra39**             | Europe        | 330% | Coated     | Digital press   | European digital printing                 |
| **GRACoL 2006**         | USA           | 300% | Coated     | Digital press   | US digital printing on coated stock       |
| **ISO Coated v2 (ECI)** | International | 330% | Coated     | Digital         | Digital presses matching offset standards |

***

## Detailed Profile Specifications

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="ISO Coated v2 300% (FOGRA39)">
    ### ISO Coated v2 300% (FOGRA39)

    **Most widely used international profile**

    **Full specifications**:

    * **Official name**: ISO Coated v2 (ECI)
    * **FOGRA reference**: FOGRA39
    * **Total Area Coverage (TAC)**: 330%
    * **Black generation**: Medium GCR
    * **Paper type**: Glossy or matte coated
    * **Paper whiteness**: Type 1 or 2 paper
    * **Printing method**: Sheet-fed offset
    * **Ink standard**: ISO 12647-2:2004

    **Color characteristics**:

    * **Gamut**: Wide (good color reproduction)
    * **Black point**: L\* 16
    * **Paper white**: L\* 95, a\* 0, b\* -2

    **When to use**:

    * ✓ European print shops (most common)
    * ✓ International projects
    * ✓ Coated paper stocks
    * ✓ High-quality commercial printing
    * ✓ Brochures, business cards, flyers
    * ✓ Don't know printer's spec (safe default)

    **Best for**: 80% of commercial print in Europe and international markets

    **Alternatives**:

    * **Newer standard**: PSO Coated v3 (FOGRA51) - updated 2014
    * **USA equivalent**: GRACoL 2006 Coated
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="GRACoL 2006 (USA)">
    ### GRACoL 2006 Coated v2

    **US commercial printing standard**

    **Full specifications**:

    * **Official name**: GRACoL 2006 Coated
    * **Developed by**: IDEAlliance (USA)
    * **Total Area Coverage (TAC)**: 300%
    * **Black generation**: Medium GCR
    * **Paper type**: Coated (#1, #2 grade)
    * **Printing method**: Sheet-fed offset
    * **Ink standard**: ISO 12647-2

    **Color characteristics**:

    * **Gamut**: Wide (similar to ISO Coated)
    * **Black point**: L\* 16
    * **Paper white**: L\* 95, a\* 0, b\* -2
    * **Tone reproduction**: G7 calibration method

    **When to use**:

    * ✓ USA-based printers
    * ✓ North American print shops
    * ✓ Coated paper stocks
    * ✓ Commercial printing
    * ✓ Corporate materials
    * ✓ Marketing collateral

    **Best for**: US commercial printing standard

    **Difference from ISO Coated**:

    * Lower TAC (300% vs 330%)
    * Slightly different GCR curve
    * G7 calibration methodology
    * Results very similar in practice

    **Alternatives**:

    * **Europe**: ISO Coated v2 300%
    * **Web printing**: SWOP 2006
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="SWOP 2006">
    ### SWOP 2006 Coated v3

    **US publication and web printing**

    **Full specifications**:

    * **Official name**: SWOP 2006 Coated Grade 3
    * **Stands for**: Specifications for Web Offset Publications
    * **Total Area Coverage (TAC)**: 300%
    * **Black generation**: Medium to Heavy GCR
    * **Paper type**: Coated (#3 grade)
    * **Printing method**: Web offset (roll-fed)
    * **Ink standard**: ISO 12647-2

    **Color characteristics**:

    * **Gamut**: Moderate (narrower than GRACoL)
    * **Black point**: L\* 18-20
    * **Paper white**: L\* 92-94 (slightly yellower)
    * **Optimized for**: High-speed web presses

    **When to use**:

    * ✓ Magazine printing
    * ✓ Catalog printing
    * ✓ Large-run publications
    * ✓ Web offset presses
    * ✓ Lower-grade coated paper

    **Best for**: US publications (magazines, catalogs)

    **Not ideal for**:

    * ✗ High-end commercial work (use GRACoL instead)
    * ✗ Business cards (too much GCR)
    * ✗ European printing

    **Alternatives**:

    * **Sheet-fed**: GRACoL 2006
    * **Europe**: ISO Coated v2 300%
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="PSO Coated v3 (FOGRA51)">
    ### PSO Coated v3 (FOGRA51)

    **Modern European standard (2014)**

    **Full specifications**:

    * **Official name**: PSO Coated v3
    * **FOGRA reference**: FOGRA51
    * **Total Area Coverage (TAC)**: 300%
    * **Black generation**: Medium GCR
    * **Paper type**: Premium coated (Type 1)
    * **Printing method**: Sheet-fed offset
    * **Ink standard**: ISO 12647-2:2013 (updated)

    **Color characteristics**:

    * **Gamut**: Slightly wider than FOGRA39
    * **Black point**: L\* 16
    * **Paper white**: L\* 95.3, a\* -0.5, b\* -3.3 (brighter)
    * **Improved**: Cyan and blue reproduction

    **When to use**:

    * ✓ Modern European printing
    * ✓ Premium quality projects
    * ✓ Printers with updated equipment
    * ✓ When printer specifies FOGRA51

    **Advantages over FOGRA39**:

    * Lower TAC (300% vs 330%) = faster drying
    * Better cyan/blue colors
    * Updated to modern inks/papers

    **Adoption status**:

    * **Growing**: More printers adopting
    * **FOGRA39 still dominant**: Still more common globally
    * **Check with printer**: Before using

    **Alternatives**:

    * **Older standard**: ISO Coated v2 (FOGRA39) - more compatible
    * **USA**: GRACoL 2006
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52)">
    ### PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52)

    **European uncoated paper standard**

    **Full specifications**:

    * **Official name**: PSO Uncoated v3
    * **FOGRA reference**: FOGRA52
    * **Total Area Coverage (TAC)**: 260%
    * **Black generation**: Heavy GCR
    * **Paper type**: Uncoated white offset
    * **Printing method**: Sheet-fed offset
    * **Ink standard**: ISO 12647-2:2013

    **Color characteristics**:

    * **Gamut**: Narrower (uncoated paper limits)
    * **Black point**: L\* 20
    * **Paper white**: L\* 93, a\* 0, b\* 3 (warmer/yellower)
    * **Color saturation**: Lower than coated

    **When to use**:

    * ✓ Natural/uncoated paper
    * ✓ Letterpress printing
    * ✓ Textured stocks
    * ✓ "Earthy" aesthetic
    * ✓ Books with uncoated pages

    **Characteristics**:

    * Duller colors (ink absorbs into paper)
    * Lower TAC (paper can't handle as much ink)
    * Heavy GCR (to prevent muddiness)
    * Warmer overall appearance

    **Not for**:

    * ✗ Vibrant color needs
    * ✗ Photo-heavy projects
    * ✗ Coated paper (use coated profile)

    **Alternatives**:

    * **USA uncoated**: GRACoL Uncoated
    * **Older standard**: ISO Uncoated (FOGRA47)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Japan Color 2001">
    ### Japan Color 2001 Coated

    **Japanese printing standard**

    **Full specifications**:

    * **Official name**: Japan Color 2001 Coated
    * **Developed by**: Japan Print Machinery Association
    * **Total Area Coverage (TAC)**: 350%
    * **Black generation**: Light to Medium GCR
    * **Paper type**: Coated art paper
    * **Printing method**: Sheet-fed offset
    * **Ink standard**: JIS standards

    **Color characteristics**:

    * **Gamut**: Very wide (highest TAC)
    * **Black point**: L\* 15-16
    * **Paper white**: L\* 95+, slightly cooler
    * **Richer blacks**: Higher ink coverage allowed

    **When to use**:

    * ✓ Printing in Japan
    * ✓ Asian markets
    * ✓ Japanese print shops
    * ✓ When printer specifies

    **Characteristics**:

    * Higher TAC than Western standards
    * Different ink formulations
    * Richer, denser colors
    * Longer drying time (higher TAC)

    **Use only if**:

    * Printer specifically requests
    * Printing in Japan/Asia
    * Otherwise use ISO or GRACoL

    **Alternatives**:

    * **International**: ISO Coated v2 300%
    * **USA**: GRACoL 2006
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Choosing the Right Profile

### Decision Tree

<Steps>
  <Step title="Ask Your Printer">
    **Always ask first**:

    "What ICC profile do you recommend for this project?"

    **Professional printers will specify**:

    * Exact profile name
    * Or provide custom profile

    **If they specify**: Use that (always)
  </Step>

  <Step title="If Printer Doesn't Specify">
    **Use this decision tree**:

    **1. What region?**

    * Europe/International → ISO Coated v2 300%
    * USA/Canada → GRACoL 2006
    * Japan/Asia → Japan Color 2001
    * Australia → ISO Coated v2 300%

    **2. What paper type?**

    * Glossy/Matte coated → Coated profile
    * Natural/Uncoated → Uncoated profile
    * Newsprint → Newsprint profile

    **3. What printing method?**

    * Sheet-fed offset → Standard coated/uncoated
    * Web offset (magazines) → SWOP (USA) or ISO Web (Europe)
    * Digital press → Match to offset standards (Fogra39 or GRACoL)
  </Step>

  <Step title="When Completely Unsure">
    **Safe defaults** (work 90% of the time):

    **Global default**: ISO Coated v2 300% (FOGRA39)

    * Most widely accepted internationally
    * Good color gamut
    * Compatible with most printers

    **USA default**: GRACoL 2006 Coated

    * US commercial printing standard
    * Widely supported

    **These rarely cause issues**: Even if not perfect match
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Profile Comparison

### TAC Limits Comparison

| Profile             | TAC Limit | Why This Limit                     | Implication                     |
| ------------------- | --------- | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| **ISO Coated v2**   | 330%      | European standard for coated paper | Rich colors, good blacks        |
| **GRACoL 2006**     | 300%      | US sheet-fed standard              | Balanced, fast drying           |
| **SWOP 2006**       | 300%      | US web offset standard             | Optimized for speed             |
| **PSO Coated v3**   | 300%      | Modern European standard           | Faster drying than FOGRA39      |
| **PSO Uncoated v3** | 260%      | Uncoated paper absorption limit    | Prevents ink bleed/muddy colors |
| **Japan Color**     | 350%      | Japanese paper/ink standards       | Richest colors, slowest drying  |
| **Newsprint**       | 240%      | Low-quality paper limit            | Prevents saturation/bleed       |

**Lower TAC** = Less ink = Faster drying + less saturation
**Higher TAC** = More ink = Richer colors + longer drying

***

## Regional Standards Summary

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Europe / International">
    **Primary profiles**:

    **Coated paper**:

    * **Standard**: ISO Coated v2 300% (FOGRA39)
    * **Modern**: PSO Coated v3 (FOGRA51)
    * **Use**: FOGRA39 unless printer specifies FOGRA51

    **Uncoated paper**:

    * **Standard**: PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52)
    * **Older**: ISO Uncoated (FOGRA47)

    **Newsprint**:

    * ISOnewspaper26v4 (FOGRA30)

    **Coverage**: Works in most of Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="USA / Canada / North America">
    **Primary profiles**:

    **Coated paper (sheet-fed)**:

    * **Standard**: GRACoL 2006 Coated v2
    * **Use for**: Business cards, brochures, flyers, corporate materials

    **Coated paper (web offset)**:

    * **Standard**: SWOP 2006 Coated Grade 3
    * **Use for**: Magazines, catalogs, publications

    **Uncoated paper**:

    * **Standard**: GRACoL Uncoated
    * **Alternative**: SWOP Grade 5 (lower quality)

    **Newsprint**:

    * SWOP 2006 Grade 5

    **Coverage**: USA, Canada, some Latin America
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Japan / Asia-Pacific">
    **Primary profiles**:

    **Japan**:

    * **Standard**: Japan Color 2001 Coated
    * **Alternative**: ISO Coated v2 (also accepted)

    **China**:

    * **Common**: ISO Coated v2 300%
    * **Some use**: GRACoL 2006

    **Other Asia-Pacific**:

    * **Most common**: ISO Coated v2 300%
    * **Australia**: ISO Coated v2 300%

    **Note**: When unsure in Asia, ISO Coated v2 safest bet
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Common Mistakes

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Using Generic 'CMYK' Profile" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    **Problem**: "Generic CMYK" or "US Web Coated (SWOP) v2"

    **Why wrong**:

    * Very old profiles (1990s)
    * Don't match modern printing
    * Poor color accuracy
    * Some printers reject

    **Fix**: Use modern profiles (ISO Coated v2, GRACoL 2006, etc.)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Wrong Region Profile" icon="globe">
    **Problem**: Using GRACoL for European printer (or vice versa)

    **Result**:

    * Colors slightly off
    * TAC violations possible
    * Printer may need to convert (adds errors)

    **Fix**: Match profile to printer's region
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Coated Profile for Uncoated Paper" icon="file">
    **Problem**: Using ISO Coated v2 with uncoated paper stock

    **Result**:

    * Colors too dark
    * Ink bleeds/spreads
    * Muddy appearance
    * TAC too high for paper

    **Fix**: Use uncoated profile for uncoated paper (PSO Uncoated, GRACoL Uncoated)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Not Asking Printer" icon="comment">
    **Problem**: Guessing which profile to use

    **Better approach**:

    1. Email/call printer
    2. Ask: "What ICC profile do you recommend?"
    3. Use exactly what they say

    **Result**: Guaranteed compatibility
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Downloading Profiles

**Where to get standard ICC profiles**:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="ECI (European Color Initiative)" icon="download" href="http://www.eci.org/en/downloads">
    **Profiles**:

    * ISO Coated v2 300% (FOGRA39)
    * PSO Coated v3 (FOGRA51)
    * PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52)

    **Free download**: Official European standards
  </Card>

  <Card title="IDEAlliance" icon="download" href="https://www.idealliance.org/specifications/gracol">
    **Profiles**:

    * GRACoL 2006 Coated
    * GRACoL Uncoated
    * SWOP 2006

    **Free download**: Official US standards
  </Card>

  <Card title="Adobe" icon="download">
    **Included with Adobe apps**:

    * Adobe RGB (1998)
    * sRGB
    * Common CMYK profiles

    **Location**: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Color/Profiles (Mac)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Printer Custom Profiles" icon="building">
    **Custom profiles from your printer**:

    * Ask printer for their ICC profile
    * Calibrated to their specific equipment
    * Best accuracy

    **Use**: For critical color matching
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Installing ICC Profiles

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Mac">
    **Installation**:

    1. Download .icc or .icm file

    2. Place in one of these locations:
       * **User**: \~/Library/ColorSync/Profiles/
       * **System**: /Library/ColorSync/Profiles/

    3. Restart applications

    **Access**: Available in Printery profile dropdown
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Windows">
    **Installation**:

    1. Download .icc or .icm file

    2. Right-click file → Install Profile

    3. Or manually place in:
       * C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\color\\

    4. Restart applications

    **Access**: Available in Printery profile dropdown
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Verify Installation">
    **Check in Printery**:

    1. Open plugin
    2. Color tab → ICC Profile dropdown
    3. Look for newly installed profile name

    **If not showing**:

    * Restart Figma
    * Restart browser
    * Verify file in correct folder
    * Check file extension (.icc or .icm)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Learn More

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="ICC Profiles Guide" icon="palette" href="/color/icc-profiles">
    Understanding ICC profiles in depth
  </Card>

  <Card title="RGB vs CMYK" icon="swatchbook" href="/color/rgb-vs-cmyk">
    Color model fundamentals
  </Card>

  <Card title="Color Accuracy Tutorial" icon="bullseye" href="/tutorials/color-accuracy">
    Achieving accurate print colors
  </Card>

  <Card title="Color Issues Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/troubleshooting/color-issues">
    Fix color problems
  </Card>
</CardGroup>