What is FIRST?
What is FIRST? (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances)
FIRST is the flexographic industry’s leading set of best practices, specifications, and process control guidelines. Developed and continually refined by industry experts, FIRST provides a standardized approach that ensures consistent, predictable, and high-quality print—every time. By aligning people, processes, and technology across the entire workflow, FIRST helps organizations achieve efficiency, accuracy, and repeatable results from job to job and press to press.
FIRST Certification
FIRST Certification builds on the FIRST methodology and offers a formal pathway for individuals to validate their knowledge and expertise. The three certification levels include:
Level 1 — Fundamentals
For beginners and non-production personnel learning the core concepts of flexography and FIRST.
Level 2 — Implementation
For individuals applying FIRST methodology in their day-to-day workflow.
Level 3 — Expert
For experienced professionals who lead process control, optimization, and communication across departments.
FIRST Certification is recognized across the industry and helps elevate skills, credibility, and career potential.
Why FIRST Matters
Flexographic printing involves many moving parts—variables in materials, equipment, environment, and operator decisions. Without standardization, these variables can lead to inconsistent color, wasted materials, and miscommunication between teams.
FIRST provides a proven framework to reduce variability and bring clarity to the entire workflow. Printers, designers, suppliers, and brand owners rely on FIRST to:
- Produce consistent color and quality
- Improve efficiency and reduce waste
- Strengthen communication across departments
- Set clear expectations and measurable standards
- Ensure predictable results throughout all stages of production
What FIRST Includes
FIRST brings together the fundamental components required for consistent flexographic printing:
Specifications
Detailed guidelines on how flexographic printing systems should be set up and maintained for optimal performance.
Best Practices
Step-by-step recommendations that help teams work efficiently and with confidence across prepress, press, and QA functions.
Process Control Methods
Tools and procedures for monitoring, measuring, and adjusting print variables to achieve repeatable results.
Quality Assurance
Clear expectations for evaluating print performance and ensuring every job meets brand and production requirements.
Standardized Communication
A shared language and framework that improves collaboration between designers, prepress technicians, press operators, and brand owners.
Who FIRST Is For
FIRST supports professionals across the entire flexographic workflow, including:
- Press operators and production staff
- Prepress technicians and designers
- Quality assurance teams
- Customer service and project managers
- Sales and marketing professionals
- Packaging suppliers and solution providers
- Brand owners and print buyers
Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned expert, FIRST provides clarity, structure, and alignment.
How FIRST Is Used in the Industry
Organizations across the flexographic supply chain rely on FIRST to:
- Standardize workflows and reduce errors
- Improve pressroom efficiency
- Ensure accurate brand color reproduction
- Support training and professional development
- Guide equipment setup and optimization
- Provide measurable, data-driven quality benchmarks
Whether used for onboarding, daily operations, or long-term process improvement, FIRST is a powerful tool for any company committed to excellence in flexographic printing.
