What CHROMiX does

CHROMiX, Inc. is a Seattle-based color management and image fidelity company founded in 1998 that serves content-production businesses including commercial print shops, prepress operations, digital press operators, and professional photographers/imaging specialists. The company operates a dual model: developing proprietary software (Maxwell cloud-based color management and monitoring platform, Curve+ for G7/G7+ press calibration, ColorThink 4 for ICC and spectral analysis, plus the ColorValet custom profiling service) and reselling a broad portfolio of third-party color instruments and software from Barbieri, Calibrite, ColorLogic, EIZO, Fiery, Konica Minolta, Pantone, Techkon, X-Rite, and others via its ColorGear e-commerce storefront.

The Maxwell platform is the technical centerpiece, functioning as a centralized cloud repository that drives color measurement instruments via Maxwell Client software, automates target recognition and routing (Feed-and-Fly AutoRouting), generates visual uniformity diagnostics (Heat-MAP), and tracks instrument verification over time (MeasureWatch). The platform integrates with more than a dozen spectrophotometer families and supports ISO 13655 measurement conditions, G7/G7+ calibration specifications, and ISO 12647-2 tone value adjustments.

Revenue is generated through a mix of subscription services (Maxwell Digital PressWatch tiers at $40-$85 per press per month), perpetual software licenses (ColorLogic ZePrA, CoPrA, ColorAnt; Fiery XF; CoPrA), hardware and instrument sales ranging from $49 accessories to $31,400 professional spectrophotometers, custom profiling services, and technical support/SMAs. Go-to-market is sales-led via direct phone/email and the ColorGear storefront, supplemented by industry event presence (Printing United Expo) and community platforms ColorForums and ColorWiki. The company is privately held, bootstrapped, single-office (Seattle), and North America-focused.

Name

CHROMiX

Legal name

CHROMiX, Inc.

Website

https://chromix.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CHROMiX, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Seattle, develops proprietary color management software (Maxwell, Curve+, ColorThink, ColorValet) and resells third-party color instruments and software to commercial print, prepress, digital press, and imaging professionals primarily in North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Color Management Software

NAICS

Paint and Wallpaper Retailers (444120)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Photographic Equipment & Supplies (3861)

akta.pro primary industry

Color Matching, Tinting & Colorant Systems (IMAEAHAL)

Keywords

• Color management software
• Custom color profiling
• Spectral measurement instruments
• G7 calibration tools
• Prepress workflow solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses and Subscriptions: CHROMiX sells software products including ColorThink, Curve+, and Maxwell. Maxwell is offered as a subscription service (per press, per month) with tiers including VERIFY, AUTO-ROUTING, and HEAT-MAP functionality. One-time license purchases available for standalone software products.
2. Hardware and Instrument Sales: Sale of color measurement instruments including spectrophotometers, densitometers, automated scanning tables, and accessories from brands like Barbieri, Calibrite, Techkon, X-Rite, and Konica Minolta. Products range from display calibrators ($119) to specialized spectrophotometers ($19,595).
3. Custom Profiles and Profiling Services: ColorValet Custom Press Profiles, Custom Print Profiles, and Custom Scan Profiles. Also includes transmissive profiles. Services offered through Maxwell color services.
4. Technical Support and Training: Onsite, Remote and Bench Technical Support & Training services. Remote Technical Support options available. Software Maintenance Agreements (SMA) for products like Fiery XF, ColorLogic software, and Callas pdfToolbox.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CHROMiX develops and sells proprietary color management software (Maxwell cloud platform, ColorThink 4, Curve+, ColorValet) and resells third-party color measurement instruments and workflow software (EFI, Barbieri, Calibrite, X-Rite, Techkon, ColorLogic, callas, Konica Minolta, Pantone, etc.). It also delivers paid custom color profiling, G7/Fogra calibration, training, and ongoing technical support services for the print, prepress, digital press, and imaging industries.

Product overview

CHROMiX is a color management and image fidelity company founded in 1998, operating both as a product developer and value-added reseller (VAR). The core product portfolio consists of proprietary cloud-based software platforms (Maxwell for centralized color management and monitoring, Curve+ for G7/G7+ calibration, and ColorThink 4 for color analysis) combined with the ColorValet custom profiling service. CHROMiX resells an extensive range of third-party color management hardware and software including Barbieri spectrophotometers (Spectro LFP qb, SpectroPad, SpectroSwing qb), Techkon instruments (SpectroDens, SpectroDrive, SpectroPlate), X-Rite/Calibrite color targets and calibrators, EFI Fiery XF proofing solutions, ColorLogic software (ZePrA, CoPrA, ColorAnt), and EIZO ColorEdge monitors. The Maxwell platform integrates with various spectrophotometers and provides automated measurement routing, press diagnostics, and instrument verification through MeasureWatch. Products serve content-production industries including printing, packaging, photography, and design.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ColorThink: Color management and image analysis software with new color spaces, streamlined interface, advanced gamut handling, and full instrument support.
• Curve+
• Maxwell
• ColorValet
• ColorGear

Products and services

• Maxwell Proprietary cloud color management platform that centralizes color data (instruments, profiles, devices, jobs, substrates, inks) and integrates with spectrophotometers, digital presses, and RIPs for print, packaging, and digital press operations.
• Maxwell Digital PressWatch Subscription service within the Maxwell platform that monitors and reports on the color performance of digital presses in real time, providing historical trend data for production managers.
• Maxwell MeasureWatch Cloud service within the Maxwell ecosystem for managing, tracking, and reporting the verification and consistency of spectrophotometers and other color measurement instruments.
• Maxwell Client Desktop application that connects local spectrophotometers, RIPs, and workstations to the Maxwell cloud database to centralize color data across sites and devices.
• Curve+ Proprietary desktop calibration and profile-building tool that uses G7+ calibration methodology together with a Colorant Generator to produce press profiles and ink calibrations for commercial print operations.
• ColorThink 4 Color analysis utility for inspecting and visualizing ICC profiles, viewing 3D gamuts, comparing devices, and creating device links for color-critical workflows used by prepress and print professionals.
• ColorValet Custom Profiling Service Paid custom profiling service in which CHROMiX builds device-specific ICC profiles for customers using their presses, substrates, inks, and instruments to achieve accurate, repeatable color.
• ColorGear Store CHROMiX-branded online store selling color management hardware, software, targets, and consumables from multiple third-party brands to print and imaging customers.
• EFI Fiery XF RIP Software Resold EFI Fiery XF RIP and color management workflow software for wide-format and production printing, sold to commercial print customers via the CHROMiX store.
• ColorLogic ZePrA and CoPrA Software Resold ColorLogic ZePrA Smart Color Management Server and CoPrA Profiling Software for color conversion, profiling, and automated color workflows in print production.
• callas pdfToolbox Resold callas pdfToolbox software for PDF preflight, correction, color conversion, and automation in prepress and print production workflows.
• Barbieri Spectrophotometers Resold Barbieri spectrophotometers (Spectro LFP qb, Spectro LFP qb Textile Edition, SpectroPad, SpectroSwing qb) for measuring color on large-format and specialty substrates in print and textile production.
• Techkon SpectroDens / SpectroDrive / SpectroPlate Resold Techkon densitometers and spectrophotometers (SpectroDens, SpectroDrive, SpectroPlate) for pressroom density, color, and plate measurement in commercial print environments.
• X-Rite / Calibrite Display and Imaging Solutions Resold X-Rite i1-series instruments, Calibrite ColorChecker display/profiling devices (Display Pro HL, Display Plus HL, Display SL, i1Studio, Passport Photo v2), and ColorChecker reference targets for photographers, imagers, and creative professionals.
• Konica Minolta MYIRO / FD Series Instruments Resold Konica Minolta MYIRO-9 (FD-9) and related spectrophotometers for high-accuracy color measurement of displays, printers, and production output in color-managed environments.
• Pantone Color References Resold Pantone color reference products (guides, books, and tools) for color specification, communication, and verification in print, packaging, and design workflows.

Quantifiable outcome

• Digital PressWatch HEAT-MAP identifies uniformity problems early in the process, saving time and money by enabling corrective action before major issues develop.
• +4 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration40 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• HutchColorcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 January 2024CHROMiX and HutchColor jointly announced Curve+, an upgrade to Curve4 that fully supports the new G7+ specification. This partnership develops and delivers G7+ calibration tools to the market.
• Barbieri ElectroniccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX distributes Barbieri products including Spectro LFP qb, SpectroPad, and SpectroSwing spectrophotometers. Barbieri selected CHROMiX for their Excellence Award in 2022.
• CalibritecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX is an authorized reseller of Calibrite color management products including ColorChecker Display calibrators and ColorChecker targets.
• ColorLogic GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX is an authorized reseller of ColorLogic products including ZePrA Smart Color Server, CoPrA profiling software, and ColorAnt data tuning software. Customers can purchase ColorLogic SMA through CHROMiX.
• Eizo Inc.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX distributes Eizo ColorEdge professional monitors including CG and CS series displays.
• Fiery (EFI)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX is an authorized reseller of EFI Fiery XF proofing and production software, including new licenses, upgrades, trade-ins, and SMA renewals.
• Konica Minolta Sensing, Inc.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX has historically distributed Konica Minolta Sensing products including the MYIRO-9/F D-9 spectrophotometer (now discontinued as of July 2025).
• Pantone Inc.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX distributes Pantone products including Color Bridge, Color Viewing Lights, Cotton Swatches, Designer Field Guides, Formula Guides, and Color Reference Libraries.
• TechkoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX distributes Techkon products including SpectroDens spectro-densitometers, SpectroDrive automated scanning systems, and SpectroPlate printing-plate measurement devices.
• X-RitecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX is an authorized reseller of X-Rite products including i1Pro 3, i1iO3, i1Profiler software, ColorChecker targets, eXact spectrophotometers, and related accessories.
• ColorPartner GMBHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX distributes ColorPartner products including ColorScout A+ automated XY measuring tables for color measurement automation.
• Vernier Software & TechnologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX distributes Vernier environmental sensors including Go!Temp temperature sensors and barometric/relative humidity sensors for Maxwell environment monitoring.
• Callas Software GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHROMiX offers Callas pdfToolbox software maintenance agreements (SMA) as part of their product portfolio.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• HutchColor: HutchColor is a G7/G7+ calibration and process control consultancy that co-developed Curve+ with CHROMiX. HutchColor offers G7 training, press calibration services, and process standardization that overlaps with CHROMiX's ColorValet custom profiles and Curve+ tooling, making them both a strategic partner and a partial competitor for press-side color services revenue.
• X-Rite: X-Rite is a leading manufacturer of color measurement instruments (i1Pro, eXact, i1iSis, ColorChecker targets) and color management software (i1Profiler) used in the same printing, photography, and prepress workflows as CHROMiX. CHROMiX is an authorized X-Rite reseller but X-Rite's i1Profiler and eXact software directly compete with CHROMiX's Maxwell and ColorThink offerings for the same customer base.
• Techkon: Techkon manufactures spectro-densitometers (SpectroDens), automated scanning systems (SpectroDrive), and plate measurement devices (SpectroPlate) used in commercial printing workflows. CHROMiX resells Techkon instruments, but Techkon's Expresso software and G7 GrayGuide capabilities overlap with CHROMiX's Curve+ and Maxwell PressWatch, creating both partnership and competitive overlap.
• Datacolor: Datacolor is a global provider of color management solutions including spectrophotometers and color matching software used across textile, paint, plastics, and printing industries. Their spectrophotometers (Mercury, Check series) and color matching software compete with the same CHROMiX customer workflows, and ColorScout A+ tables specifically support Datacolor instruments as alternatives to CHROMiX's preferred ecosystem.
• Barbieri Electronic: Barbieri manufactures professional spectrophotometers (Spectro LFP qb, SpectroPad, SpectroSwing) for large-format, textile, and packaging printing. CHROMiX is a primary Barbieri distributor and 2022 Excellence Award recipient, but Barbieri's own Gateway software and measurement automation capabilities overlap with CHROMiX's Maxwell auto-routing and feed-and-fly features.
• ColorLogic GmbH: ColorLogic develops ZePrA Smart Color Server, CoPrA profiling software, and ColorAnt data tuning software, which CHROMiX resells in North America. ColorLogic's products directly compete with CHROMiX's own Maxwell, Curve+, and ColorValet offerings, and the partnership creates tension between reseller cooperation and competitive displacement as ColorLogic expands direct sales channels.

Broad incumbents

• EFI (Fiery): EFI's Fiery XF is a digital front end for wide and superwide print production that CHROMiX resells. Fiery's Command WorkStation, FAST RIP, and integrated ICC-based color management represent a broad incumbent solution that bundles color management into a larger production workflow, competing with CHROMiX's Maxwell at the press-side diagnostics and verification layer.
• Konica Minolta Sensing: Konica Minolta Sensing manufactures spectrophotometers and color measurement instruments including the MYIRO-9 (FD-9), FD-5, FD-7, and CM-700d/CM-800d series used in printing and imaging workflows. CHROMiX resells Konica Minolta instruments, but Konica Minolta's broader sensing portfolio and direct OEM relationships with press manufacturers create competitive overlap in color measurement hardware.

Emerging players

• BasICColor: BasICColor develops professional color management software including input profiling, output profiling, and display calibration tools widely used in printing, photography, and fine art reproduction. Their software competes with CHROMiX's ColorThink and Curve+ for color analysis and profiling workflows, particularly in European markets where BasICColor has strong presence.
• Calibrite: Calibrite (formerly X-Rite's consumer/prosumer division) sells ColorChecker targets and display calibrators including Display Pro HL and Display Plus HL. CHROMiX is an authorized Calibrite reseller, but Calibrite's own display calibration software and ColorChecker Camera Calibration software competes with CHROMiX's ColorThink color analysis tools in the photographer and creative professional segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CHROMiX