Gradient Test Chart Generator
Create printer test charts with K, C, M, Y and RGB ramps plus step wedges to check banding, tonal range and gray balance. Saved as a PDF with exact CMYK values.
For print shops, RIPs and proofers: the PDF contains the exact C, M, Y and K values. The on-screen preview is approximate.
Recommended — colors are stored exactly. Print at actual size (100%) with no fit-to-page scaling.
Use when you need an image. PNG is RGB, so CMYK charts are saved as approximate colors.
Turn off automatic enhancements such as color correction or “vivid” in the printer settings to see the printer’s native output.
Guide
Key points
- K, C, M, Y or RGB ramps and step wedges reveal banding, tonal range and gray balance.
- Use CMYK for print shops and proofers, RGB for home and office printers.
- Print the PDF at actual size with automatic color correction turned off.
What the chart shows
- Banding — look closely at the smooth ramps for regular stripes or visible steps.
- Tonal range — find the lightest and darkest wedge patches you can tell apart. If 5% looks like bare paper or 90% and 100% merge, highlights or shadows are clipping.
- Gray balance — the C=M=Y row (CMYK) or gray row (RGB) should look neutral, not bluish, reddish or yellowish.
- Ink and heads — a single channel that’s faint or streaky points to clogged nozzles or low ink.
CMYK or RGB?
- CMYK — for print shops, RIP-driven large-format printers and proofers. The PDF stores exact C, M, Y and K values.
- RGB — home and office inkjet and laser printers usually receive RGB and convert it themselves, so an RGB chart matches how they’re really used.
Getting a reliable result
- Print the PDF at actual size (100%) — turn off “fit to page”.
- Turn off automatic color correction or “vivid” modes to see the printer’s native output.
- Use the paper you normally print on, let the ink dry and inspect it in good light.
- If you suspect clogged nozzles, run a head cleaning and print again to compare.
The on-screen preview and PNG are approximate screen colors — don’t use them as the reference for prints.
FAQ
What's the difference between the PDF and the PNG?
The PDF is a vector file with exact color values and is recommended for testing. The PNG is RGB, so CMYK charts are saved as approximate colors.
I see stripes in the gradients.
Run a head cleaning and print again. If stripes stay in the same place, check the nozzles, paper feed and quality setting (fast modes band more).
The 5% patch is invisible.
Highlights are clipping. Check the printer's density/brightness settings and that the paper type matches.