The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has adopted X-Rite’s Color Exchange Format version 3 (CxF3) as the new industry standard for colour data exchange.
“We are proud to be able to make this contribution to the industry,” said Francis Lamy, chief technology officer at X-Rite’s headquarters in Michigan. “CxF is a key enabler to more efficient workflows with less waste, faster turnaround times and streamlined communication of colour information in colour critical workflows.”
X-Rite Incorporated, a global leader in colour science and technology, and its Pantone division had made the technology available to ISO and welcomed the decision. “X-Rite fully endorses ISO’s goal of harmonizing technical specifications for products and services that make industries more efficient by communicating colour electronically in a global colour supply chain. This standard (ISO 17972-1:2015) provides the graphic arts industry with an accurate, efficient way to communicate colour information across any supply chain.”
“Physically correct and accurate colour communication is critical to an efficient workflow,” said Ray Cheydleur, product portfolio manager at X-Rite. “X-Rite's CxF3, and now ISO CxF, ensures an accurate and efficient exchange of digital standards, measurements and metadata. The publication of this standard provides a framework for sharing colour data at all steps in the workflow – from brand owner through to production. Many companies and products have already benefited from CxF3, and now that it is an ISO standard, many more will benefit in the future.”
X-Rite established the first version of CxF in 2000 and since then the company has continued to invest in and improve the specification.
“Printing according to established ISO standards is a benefit for both the print producer and the media buyer,” said Laurel Brunner, managing director of Digital Dots Limited. “With the adoption of ISO 17972-1:2015, a new dimension has now been added to standards compliance that will help everyone in the colour workflow more easily produce colour quality. X-Rite has made a valuable contribution to the industry by making this important specification available as an open standard.”
Founded in 1958, X-Rite Incorporated is a global leader in color science and technology. Including its wholly owned subsidiary Pantone, X-Rite employs more than 800 people in 11 countries.
For more information and to download a copy of the new standard, visit here.