How does B&B's G7 certification affect how I should prepare my files?

Bradford & Bigelow's G7 Master qualification means our presses are calibrated to produce consistent, predictable color output. For most projects, G7 calibration works in the background, you don't need to do anything differently to benefit from it. But understanding how it interacts with your file preparation helps you get the best results.

Submit files in CMYK
G7 calibration is optimized for CMYK print production. Files submitted in RGB will be converted during prepress, and unmanaged RGB-to-CMYK conversions can produce unexpected color shifts. Submitting files in CMYK gives you the most accurate picture of how your colors will print and ensures G7 calibration works as intended.

Use ICC profiles
ICC profiles describe how devices reproduce color. When your files include properly assigned ICC profiles, B&B's color-managed prepress workflow can translate your intended colors accurately to press output. If you're unsure which profiles to use, contact our prepress team for guidance.

Set realistic expectations for color-critical elements
G7 calibration improves color predictability and repeatability but it doesn't eliminate all variables. Paper stock, coating, and ink absorption all affect how colors appear in print. Colors that are highly saturated in RGB or outside the CMYK gamut may not reproduce exactly as they appear on screen, even with G7 calibration in place.

For projects where color accuracy is critical: brand colors, photography, or cover art matching a previous edition, talk to our prepress team before submitting files. We can advise on color management, proofing options, and what to expect from your specific paper and press combination.

For a deeper look at how color consistency is maintained from proof to press, read our blog post: How Do Printers Maintain Color Consistency from Proof to Press Run?