ISO 3664-2009 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 3664:2009 — Graphic technology and photography — Viewing conditions. This International Standard defines recommended viewing conditions for critical appraisal and comparison of images on reflective and transmissive media (prints, transparencies) and for images displayed in isolation on colour monitors.

Abstract

Specifies reference viewing conditions used in graphic technology and photography to ensure consistent visual assessment of tone reproduction and colourfulness. Applies to critical comparison between transparencies, photographic/photomechanical prints and other reproductions, appraisal of tone and colour at practical illumination levels, and appraisal of images on colour monitors when not compared to hardcopy. Not intended for unprinted papers.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (replaced by a later edition).
• Publication date: April 2009 (2009-04).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.040.01, 37.100.01 (graphic technology and photography).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2009).
• Number of pages: 34.

These bibliographic and lifecycle details are recorded on the ISO catalogue entry; the 2009 edition has since been superseded by a subsequently published edition.

Scope

Provides standardized viewing conditions for visual evaluation and comparison of images on reflective and transmissive media and for single-image monitor viewing. It covers conditions for critical comparison, routine inspection and appraisal of tone reproduction and colourfulness, and conditions for projected transparencies where comparison with prints or other reproductions is required. The standard excludes unprinted papers and is focused on graphic arts and photographic applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Reference illuminant and chromaticity: recommends daylight-equivalent illuminant close to CIE D50 (≈5000 K) with chromaticity within a small tolerance around the D50 coordinates.
• Illuminance / luminance conditions: defines higher “critical” viewing levels and lower “practical appraisal” levels (commonly referenced P1 and P2 conditions — e.g., practical appraisal around 500 lux with specified tolerances; critical appraisal significantly higher).
• Uniformity and measurement: requires illuminance/luminance uniformity across the viewing area (a minimum percentage of center illuminance at distributed measurement points) to ensure consistent evaluation.
• Surround and backing: specifies neutral, matte surrounds with a recommended luminous reflectance range (commonly 10%–60%, with mid‑gray ≈20% frequently used) and defined surround geometry to limit visual bias from the immediate field.
• Colour quality and UV: tighter requirements compared with earlier editions for spectral match to D50 (including attention to UV content and metamerism indices) and minimum colour-rendering quality for viewing sources.
• Applicability to monitors: covers single-image monitor viewing in isolation (but does not substitute full soft‑proofing standards that address display-specific requirements in detail).

Technical values and tolerances are specified in the standard text (numerical tolerances, measurement geometry and test methods). The items above summarize the main technical themes.

Typical use and users

Used by printing and prepress technicians, photographic laboratories, color quality control personnel, proofing specialists, graphic designers involved in critical colour work, standards bodies and manufacturers of viewing booths/lighting for the graphic arts. Typical tasks include acceptance inspection of proofs, colour matching, press-side quality control and laboratory evaluation of prints and transparencies.

Related standards

Closely associated with other color and display standards such as ISO 12646 (color displays for graphic arts), ICC profile and colour management guidelines, and other ISO/TC 42 publications. The 2009 edition was later revised and superseded by a newer ISO 3664 edition (published in 2025).

Keywords

Viewing conditions; D50; illuminant; illuminance; luminance; colorimetry; colour appraisal; proofing; photographic prints; transparencies; viewing booth; surround reflectance; metamerism; graphic technology; ISO 3664.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 3664:2009 is an International Standard that defined recommended viewing conditions for critical visual appraisal of images on reflective and transmissive media and for isolated monitor viewing in graphic technology and photography.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the reference illuminant (D50), chromaticity tolerances, recommended illuminance/luminance levels for practical and critical appraisal, uniformity and measurement methods, surround and backing reflectance, and colour quality requirements for viewing sources. Exact numerical tolerances and measurement procedures are given in the standard text.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Printers, prepress and quality-control professionals, photographic labs, proofing and colour management specialists, equipment manufacturers and standards bodies working in graphic arts and photography.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 3664:2009 has been withdrawn and superseded by a later edition (ISO 3664:2025). Users doing new implementations or validations should refer to the 2025 edition for current values and requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of ISO standards maintained by ISO/TC 42 (Graphic technology and photography) and is often used alongside related standards (for displays, colour management and reproduction) rather than being a numbered multi‑part series. Historical versions exist (e.g., ISO 3664:2000) and it has been updated by later editions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: D50, viewing conditions, illuminance, luminance, surround reflectance, proofing, colour appraisal, graphic technology, photography.