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Choosing between FOGRA39 and FOGRA51 comes down to your presses, your paper, and your measurement mode. Here's a clear breakdown of what each profile is, how they differ, and when to use which.

FOGRA39 vs FOGRA51 at a Glance

Profile Full Name Typical Use Case Paper Printing Condition M-Mode
FOGRA39 ISO Coated v2 (ECI) Legacy offset printing Gloss / silk coated Older measurement standard M0
FOGRA51 PSO Coated v3 (ECI) Modern offset printing Gloss / silk coated Optical brightener aware M1

What They Are

FOGRA39 — ISO Coated v2 (ECI)

  • Released: 2009
  • Based on ISO 12647-2:2004
  • Measurement condition: M0
  • Designed for:
    • Traditional offset printing on coated papers
    • Older workflows and printing presses
    • Conditions not accounting for optical brightening agents (OBAs)

This profile became the global standard for many years and is still extremely common.

FOGRA51 — PSO Coated v3 (ECI)

  • Released: 2015
  • Based on ISO 12647-2:2013
  • Measurement condition: M1
  • Designed for:
    • Modern offset printing
    • Papers with optical brightening agents (OBAs)
    • Newer presses, inks, and proofing systems

This is now the recommended replacement for FOGRA39.

Key Differences Explained Simply

Area FOGRA39 FOGRA51
Paper base Older coated stock Modern coated stock
OBAs (brighteners) Not accounted for Fully accounted
Measurement M0 (tungsten/legacy) M1 (D50, UV included)
White point More yellow Brighter / bluer
Gamut Slightly smaller Slightly larger
Accuracy Legacy More accurate

M-Modes Explained (Very Important)

M0 — Legacy Measurement Mode

Used for FOGRA39.

  • Measures without UV control.
  • Does not properly measure optical brighteners.
  • Matches:
    • Older spectrophotometers
    • Older proofing workflows

FOGRA39 = M0

M1 — D50 Measurement Mode

Used for FOGRA51.

  • Measures using D50 lighting including UV.
  • Accurately accounts for optical brighteners.
  • Matches:
    • Modern spectrophotometers
    • ISO 12647-2:2013 compliance
    • Modern proofing workflows

FOGRA51 = M1

Practical Use Cases (Real World)

When to Use FOGRA39

  • Legacy jobs
  • Existing brand color libraries built around FOGRA39
  • Printers still calibrated to ISO 12647-2:2004
  • Old proofing standards
  • Reprints where color matching old jobs is critical

When to Use FOGRA51

  • Modern print workflows
  • Any new projects
  • Print providers using ISO 12647-2:2013
  • Proofing systems using M1 spectro measurements
  • When maximum color accuracy is required

In 2026, FOGRA51 should be your default choice unless your printer explicitly specifies FOGRA39.

PDF/X & Workflow Alignment

Workflow Correct Profile
PDF/X-1a:2001 FOGRA39
PDF/X-3:2002 FOGRA39
PDF/X-4 (modern) FOGRA51

Important Color Shift Warning

If you:

  • Proof in FOGRA51 (M1)
  • But print on a press calibrated to FOGRA39 (M0)

→ You can get noticeable color shifts, especially in:

  • Blues
  • Neutrals
  • Pastels
  • Grays

Bottom Line

If your workflow is… Use
Legacy / older presses FOGRA39 (M0)
Modern / current industry standard FOGRA51 (M1)

Schedule a Consultation

Need help aligning your presses, proofing, and profiles to the right standard? Contact Bill Owen today.
billo@aldertech.com — 720-933-4413

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