Bodoni pressSIGN vs Datacolor Spyder

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.

Datacolor Spyder is a paid display-calibration product for professional photographers and advanced photo editing. Its hardware sensor connects through USB-C, with a USB-A adapter included, while software calibrates LCD, mini-LED, OLED and QD-OLED monitors, including Apple XDR and Liquid Retina displays. Room Light Monitoring measures the room’s light and can warn when recalibration is needed or adjust profiles automatically according to the light level. DevicePreview shows how photos may appear on mobile devices while they remain on the calibrated monitor. A full-screen comparison shows the display before and after calibration, with 11 brightness settings. The comparison table lists unlimited supported displays, subject to computer capability. Spyder supports Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 10.14 through macOS 26, and requires internet access for downloading and activating the software. It calibrates monitors only, not phones or tablets. The listed price is $169 as a one-time purchase.