New General Requirements for Applications in Commercial Offset Lithography -- GRACoL 6.0 -- Set for Release

Revised edition of industry standard features new content on PDF workflow, color management, digital proofing, process control and more

ALEXANDRIA, VA (April 23, 2002) - IDEAlliance (International Digital Enterprise Alliance) and its GRACoL(R) Committee have scheduled the official release of the newest version of General Requirements for Applications in Commercial Offset Lithography - GRACoL 6.0. The comprehensive, 96-page reference book will be available in mid-June and will be distributed freely to subscribers of Graphic Arts Monthly and Graphic Design:USA with the June 2002 issues.

Restyled for improved presentation, clarity and retention, GRACoL 6.0 introduces a newly included presentation on how to use the GRACoL guidelines that benefits print buyers, graphic designers, prepress service providers, and commercial printers. The Printing Guidelines Chart has expanded applications for commercial printers to reflect the targets of modern pressrooms.

GRACoL 6.0 includes new or revised sections covering key subjects such as PDFs, digital proofing, process control, color management and gray balance. Roy Zucca, GRACoL co-chair, says "An in depth discussion about the evolution of Referenced Printing Conditions and Standards has been added to benefit those involved in the print buying process. This new material is the direct result of a certified press run directed by the GRACoL committee that will be developed into the first color characterization data for commercial printing. We have drawn the line and created a standard."

GRACoL 6.0 also features expanded information about the Internet, dot-coms, and the impact of e-business on commercial printing. "GRACoL has developed into a standard of reference for printing guidelines for offset printing in North America and throughout the world," said David Hultin, Director, Print Initiatives for IDEAlliance. "GRACoL 6.0 will undoubtedly prove to be an indispensable reference tool for everyone throughout the printing, print buying, and graphic arts communities." Published annually, the mission of GRACol is to improve communications and education in the graphic arts by maintaining the accuracy and the relevance of the GRACoL document in reporting the influence and impact of new technologies on commercial offset lithography. Each edition is also supplemented with a comprehensive glossary of the most up-to-date graphic arts terms.

A copy of GRACoL 6.0 costs $6 for IDEAlliance members; $9 for non-members. Significant pre-publication quantity discounts are now available at:

GRACoL 6.0 Pre-publication Orders

For more information on GRACoL, please visit www.gracol.com, or call IDEAlliance at 703.837.1070.

About IDEAlliance

IDEAlliance (International Digital Enterprise Alliance) is a not-for-profit membership organization. Its mission is to advance user-driven, cross-industry solutions for all publishing and content-related processes by developing standards, fostering business alliances, and identifying best practices. IDEAlliance has been a leader in information technology since 1966 (founded as Graphic Communications Association) having fostered the development and adoption of standards such as ADIS, GRACoL, ICE, JIFFI, Mail.dat, papiNet, PRISM, PROSE XML, SPACE XML, SGML, and XML. Learn more about IDEAlliance at www.idealliance.org.

Contact

David Hultin
703.837.1083
dhultin@idealliance.org