Complete guide
The calibration guide for alternative prints.
Whether you’re starting cyanotype or have practised platinum for years, calibration transforms your process. This guide covers every step, from target to reusable preset.
Why calibrate?
Without calibration, your process compresses highlights and blocks shadows. A correction curve restores the full tonal range of your image.
Reproducibility
Achieve the same result print after print, without trial and error.
Extended tonal range
Go from 8-10 visible levels to 25 distinct levels with the compensation curve.
Chemistry savings
Fewer test prints = less paper and chemistry wasted.
Supported processes
6 processes, one method.
Step by step
Calibrate in 4 steps.
- 1
Choose your target
Open Calibration Flow and select the target suited to your process (Positive, Negative or Pro 32 levels). Print it as a digital negative without colour management.
- 2
Make the test print
Coat your paper with the usual chemistry, expose with your UV source (or enlarger), wash and dry completely.
- 3
Scan and analyse
Photograph the dried print with the app. Calibration Flow reads each patch, compares measured values to targets and displays deviations on a histogram.
- 4
Export and reuse
Generate the compensation curve, save it as a local preset and reapply it for every new print for a consistent result. Pro mode also lets you export the .acv file to apply it in Photoshop or Lightroom.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about calibration.
- No. Your smartphone camera is enough. Calibration Flow uses the camera to measure the density of each patch.
- Yes. The app offers Positive and Negative targets. Positive target: screen printing and resinotype. Negative target: cyanotype, gum bichromate (Aquaprint), carbon, platinum-palladium, Van Dyke, bromoil and gumoil.
- Presets are saved locally. In Pro mode, you can also export the .acv file and share it manually with other practitioners.
- Across 25 measured patches, tonal response deviation is brought into the perceptible margin after calibration. Print-to-print reproducibility becomes measurable from one session to the next.
- The Free tier (with signup) covers the full workflow with 300 MB cloud storage, and the Color Venn CMYK chart (7-zone chart for quadricolour gum/carbon) stays free for everyone. The Pro subscription at 9.90 EUR/month on web and iOS unlocks .acv export (Photoshop / Lightroom), extended quotas (5 GB), Full Gamut HD export and advanced export options. Luminograph owners (Vision Picturale) receive a code that includes 1 year of Pro.