ArgyllCMS vs Bodoni pressSIGN

ArgyllCMS is a free, open-source ICC-compatible color management system for creating profiles and calibrating devices. Its command-line tools support scanners, cameras, film recorders, displays, and RGB, CMY and CMYK printers. It can create device-link profiles with options such as video calibration standards and 3D LUTs, and work with spectral samples, selectable illuminants and observer types, and paper fluorescent-whitener compensation. Color conversion tools handle 8-bit raster data and fully accurate 16-bit conversion. Documentation lists direct support for measurement instruments from JETI, Klein, X-Rite and Calibrite, DataColor and other manufacturers; some chart results can be converted into Argyll CGATS format. ArgyllCMS runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, but does not include a graphical interface. DisplayCAL, The Little Argyll GUI and CoCa are listed as front ends that use it. The package is licensed under AGPLv3; commercial licensing is available for code copyrighted by Graeme Gill through ArgyllPRO. On Linux, native display calibration and profiling under Wayland are not currently supported; the maker recommends X11 for color-managed displays.

Bodoni pressSIGN measures and manages colour in print production across litho, flexo, gravure, screen and digital processes. It can evaluate output against international targets such as ISO standards and GRACoL G7, or targets defined by the user. Colour tools include Dynamic Density Adjustment, dryback compensation and tonal curve adjustments using TVI, 4CX or Neutral Print Density. PANTONE libraries are included, and custom spot-colour libraries are supported. The Digital edition adjusts curves for RIPs and colour servers including Caldera, EFI, Onyx and ZePrA. Closed-loop connections include Heidelberg, KBA, Komori, Roland and Ryobi systems. Global Print Management subscriptions add multi-site synchronisation, an API, a Live Dashboard, PantoneLIVE support and scheduled email reports. The product is listed for macOS, web and Windows; pressSIGN 12 desktop requirements specify Windows 8.1 64-bit or later and macOS 10.14 or later. Pricing is paid, with a free plan and trial listed; plans include pressSIGN 12 Digital at $1,195, paid once and Professional at $3,895, paid once.