Prepress & Color Control Queries, ZQA

Select lighting standard for final viewing

How should the correct selection and use of the Standard Illuminant be determined based on the packaging product's final viewing environment (e.g., retail store or sunlight)?

The selection of the Standard Illuminant must be driven by the product’s final viewing environment to avert unwanted color shifts. Although D50 is mandatory for the technical printing process, the light used for the final evaluation should simulate the environment where the consumer will view the product.

For example, D65 is used to simulate average daylight conditions in retail settings, or Illuminant A for simulating indoor tungsten light. Documenting the specific reference illuminant in the project's technical specifications and ensuring regular calibration of light booths prevents the theoretical standard from creating costly practical problems, guaranteeing stable visual consistency.

Aligned with: X-Rite / Konica Minolta / CIE