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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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PDF/X & Workflow Alignment

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

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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

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Bottom Line

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