The American National Standards Institute’s accredited Committee for Graphic Arts Technologies Standards (CGATS) has issued a revision of the 1993 standard, CGATS.5, Graphic technology — Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation for graphic arts images. There are many practices for making spectral measurements and performing colorimetric computations. However, the methods used may result in different numerical values for the same parameter for the same sample, making it difficult to make valid comparisons using data derived using the different methodologies. The purpose of CGATS.5 is to specify a methodology for the measurement of graphic arts images that results in valid and comparable data. The standard applies to both preparation of material for volume production by any printing process, as well as to images to be manufactured in limited quantities, such as those produced with photographic, inkjet, thermal transfer, diffusion, electrophotography, mechanical transfer or toner technologies (e.g. off-press proofs). The normative section on sample backing material, and the related informative annex, have been significantly expanded to include the use of white and self-backing in specific cases. Guidance on the choice of backing is provided, and information is given on a procedure to be followed to determine the opacity of the substrate, an important factor when selection the backing material to be used when making reflectance measurements. Additional requirements are provided for reporting data generated in accordance with the standard, including information that needs to be communicated in addition to the data, and electronic data reporting. An informative annex on instrument calibration has also been added. The standard can be purchased for $25 from NPES the Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies. NPES members receive a discount. Contact the NPES Publications Department at 703/264-7200 or obtain an order form on line at http://www.npes.org/standards/orderform.html. NPES serves as secretariat to CGATS. For additional information on this, or any other standard relating to graphic technology, contact NPES Director of Standards Programs Mary Abbott at 703-264-7229, [email protected] visit the Standards Work Room on line at www.npes.org/standards/workroom.html.