This is the third blog in our MeasureColor in Action blog series, which introduces key features to help you achieve smarter, more efficient print production.
MeasureColor: Optimize Dot Gain for Better Print Quality
Achieving consistent print quality hinges on your ability to control dot gain—a critical but often overlooked variable. Dot gain plays a major role in color accuracy, image sharpness, and overall visual impact, especially in packaging and extended gamut workflows.
With MeasureColor, printers gain access to advanced tools that make it easy to monitor, manage, and improve dot gain in real time—without the guesswork.
Understanding Dot Gain: A Critical Color Control Metric
In CMYK and extended gamut processes like CMYKOGV, dot gain serves as a crucial print quality indicator. As ink spreads on the substrate, printed dots become larger than intended—altering color balance and image clarity. If not properly managed, even small shifts in dot gain can lead to visible inconsistencies.
- Tracking dot gain values across the entire gamut
- Comparing measured dot gain curves with your target profiles
- Validating whether solids are printing within tolerance
This allows for broad analysis across color families as well as granular evaluation of individual hues—giving operators the insight they need to make precise adjustments.
CTP Curve Optimization Without the Hassle
Here's how it works:
- Import or create your initial curves
- Measure printed results
- Recalculate optimized curves based on actual dot gain behavior
- Export updated compensation curves compatible with most RIP systems
This curve-on-curve iteration reduces setup time, material waste, and the risk of manual error—helping press teams close the loop faster.
Traditional dot gain correction methods require linear test forms and multiple press runs. MeasureColor eliminates that inefficiency by enabling CTP curve recalculation directly in the software.
Data-Driven Print Quality, Delivered
MeasureColor gives printers a competitive edge by transforming manual, time-consuming adjustments into data-driven decisions. By optimizing dot gain, you achieve:
- Better color fidelity
- Reduced ink waste
- Faster job turnaround
- Increased customer satisfaction
Whether you're running flexo, offset, gravure, or digital presses, MeasureColor provides the insights and tools needed to maintain consistent results across every job.
Did you Miss the MeasureColor in Action Blog Series?
Up Next in the Series
This article is part of our MeasureColor in Action blog series. Don’t miss the final article:
- #4: MeasureColor: Maximize White Ink Opacity
Discover how a 3% tweak in white ink opacity can cut ink usage by 33%—and how MeasureColor makes it easy to optimize quality and cost in every print run.
Catch up on previous topics:
- #1: MeasureColor: A User-Friendly Interface for Faster Print Decisions
Discover how ChromaTrack eliminates trial and error, helping operators reach the right color faster using guided, predictive corrections. - #2: MeasureColor: Manage Digital Color Targets with Confidence
Learn how Reference Manager simplifies the organization and application of digital color targets and ICC profiles for consistent results across workflows.
Curious how MeasureColor can help you optimize dot gain for better print quality and cost savings? Get in touch with our Color Experts.
