Welcome to GRACoL 6.0

We are very pleased to return as co-chairs for GRACoL 6.0. It was quite a formidable task to produce this edition as last year, with GRACoL 5.0, we raised the bar quite a bit. Our goal for this edition was to continue with that same momentum and integrity, by raising the bar even higher.

Even with our elevated goals, we never lost sight of the fact that first and foremost, GRACoL 6.0 should continue as a vital resource and major benefit for our industry. It should incorporate a fresh, bold, graphic approach, yet still maintain a format that is well organized and easy to work with. It should provide concise and timely information while adhering to the GRACoL fundamentals of process control. It should reference standards for accuracy in predicting image reproduction in a stable process. Thus, our motto has become "GRACoL®. Exceeding color expectations!"

To meet the challenge of GRACoL 6.0 and keep pace with our ever-changing industry, a GRACoL committee is forged each year from a broad spectrum of top graphic arts professionals. This committee is given the immense task of reviewing the previous version, updating any areas that need revision, and identifying any new information that should be included in the new version.

While tackling the revisions and updating, this year's committee recognized three subjects vital to our industry that needed to be addressed in 6.0: Stochastic (Frequency Modulated) Screening, PDF file exchange, and the development of Color Characterization for Commercial Printing.

Although Stochastic (Frequency Modulated) Screening is not a new method of screening, it is enjoying a tremendous resurgence because of major technology advances. Stochastic has moved to the front burner as a hot issue for many graphic arts professionals because of a number of beneficial features it can provide. PDF, Portable Document Format, has been included in past issues but lately it is fast becoming "the" standard file format of choice for the graphic arts. It is being utilized in a variety of workflows across a vast network of media independent publishing groups, and GRACoL 6.0 is giving PDF file exchange plenty of coverage. We anticipate that this will continue to grow the future.

The Printing Guidelines Chart is a cornerstone of GRACoL®, and in press runs conducted this past year with a partner, was proven to represent consistent, quality printing. GRACoL is committed to becoming the center point for consistency and quality as related to commercial printing, and this is a huge step toward the development of color characterization for North American printing.

We have raised the bar, we have revised text, we have added evolving vital information, and wrapped it all in a new look for Version 6.0. But none of this would be possible without the tremendous effort put forth by the GRACoL committee and all of its sponsors. It is with this dedicated participation that we, as an industry, continue to improve. We express our deep appreciation and thanks to our graphic communications partners who helped to bring 6.0 to reality.

P.S. Oh, and if you would like help us to raise the bar even higher for 7.0, join the GRACoL committee. And please, visit us at www.gracol.com to send us your thoughts and ideas.

Leigh Kimmelman
Roy Zucca
Co-chairs