Reference printing conditions provide the interface between design, printing data preparation, proofing, and printing and define the intended relationship between data in a computer and color on a printed sheet, regardless of the printing process used. Symbolically, reference printing conditions represent the transition of the printing industry from a craft-based and nonstandardized film environment in the late 1970s to today's digital-data–based and standardized manufacturing process. This has been truly a revolution in which computer capability, digital data storage capability, standards, and cooperation among industry associations have worked together to change the basic philosophy of printing and publishing.