Image Permanence Test Targets

This page provides test targets files for standards developed by ISO/TC 42, applicable to measuring the permanence of photographic prints. These images may have been generated with dyes or pigments by several processes, including chromogenic (silver-halide), dye transfer, thermal dye-diffusion transfer (“dye-sub”), dry and liquid toner electrophotography, thermal dye transfer, ink jet, and pigment gelatin systems.

We appreciate your using these links. The cost is the same as purchasing the standards directly from ANSI and, by using the link, IS&T receives a commission that goes directly to support the ISO/TC 42 standards program.  

The test targets of ISO 18944 are examples to measure the retention of colour (gamut) of prints tested under conditions specified in ISO 18936 (thermal), ISO 18937 (light) and ISO 18941 (ozone).

• ISO 18944:2018 Imaging materials – Reflection colour photographic prints – Test print construction and measurement (click to go to the US ANSI website to purchase the standard).
• ISO 18944 test target for colour fading "CIELAB 1" (Click to download the target file.)
• ISO 18944 test target for colour fading "CIELAB 2" (Click to download the target file.)

The ISO 18946 test target is designed to measure lateral bleeding of images, specifically under conditions specified in ISO 18946 (humidity).

• ISO 18946:2011 Imaging materials – Reflection colour photographic prints – Method for testing humidity fastness (click to go to the US ANSI website to purchase the standard).
• ISO 18946 humidity test target - 720 dpi  (Click to download the zipped target file.)
• ISO 18946 humidity test target - 600 dpi  (Click to download the zipped target file.)

ISO 18949 test target is designed to measure color, density, D-min and D-max changes during the low humidity testing, specifically under conditions specified in ISO 18949 (low humidity).  Download the file in its full resolution with no lossy image or file compression.

• ISO 18949:2019 Imaging Materials – Reflection colour photographic prints – Method for testing stability under low humidity conditions (click to go to the US ANSI website to purchase the standard)
• ISO 18949 low humidity test target - 250 dpi  (Click to download the zipped target file.)