Use cases, differences, and M-mode classifications
Quick Summary Table
|
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) |