Abstract. The task of instrumental measurement of the color of non-impact printing is addressed. The majority of the instrument andsample parameters that can introduce systematic errors in the in-strumental readings are identified. For selected cases, proper mea- surement procedures are identified. In other cases, the user is warned of the problem and must devise a measurement methodol-ogy for minimizing the effects of the identified parameters. Without proper concern for these parameters, high-fidelity device- independent color reproduction is not fully achievable. 1 Introduction Overthe past few years, the quality ofthe output of nonimpactelectronic printers has consistently improved. Today, thereis less bleeding and wicking of the primaries into adjacentpixels, less pickup of the primaries by the platen, and bettertrapping of one primary onto the others. At the same time, there has been an increasing need for higher fidelity and repeatability in the printed images. Electronically printed im-ages are being used as design proofs and even as productionguides in desktop printing and publishing and in architecturalengineering and design. Nonimpact printers are also beingused in nonimaging applications, such as trademark colorsand product simulations in CAD systems. Recently, there hasbeen increased activity in documentary standards for device-independent color communications between the desktop andthe printer, image setter, or separator.2 This has necessitatedthe colorimetric characterization of scanners, displays, andprinters. When the control is closed ioop, the characteriza-