2021 — I1profiler 311
i1Profiler 3.1.1 is a critical "legacy" version of X-Rite's color management software. While newer versions like v3.8.6 exist as of late 2025, version 3.1.1 remains the final functional release for owners of original 1st Generation i1Pro (Rev. A-D) hardware. The "Gold Standard" for Legacy Hardware
If you are using an original i1Pro 1 spectrophotometer, version 3.1.1 is the end of the line. Starting with version 3.2.0, X-Rite removed support for these devices entirely.
Hardware Compatibility: This is the last version to recognize 1st Gen i1Pro devices for both software licensing and measurements.
OS Support: It is the recommended version for macOS 10.12.6 (Sierra). Users on newer operating systems can still run 3.1.1 for their legacy hardware, but it is not officially tested on modern platforms. i1profiler 311
Recommendation: If you have an i1Pro 1, you must disable automatic updates after installing 3.1.1 to prevent the software from updating to a version that will render your hardware unusable. Key Performance Features
Hybrid Workflow: Combines features from legacy tools like iMatch, ProfileMaker, and MonacoPROFILER into one interface.
User Modes: Offers a Basic wizard-driven mode for quick calibration and an Advanced mode for full control over black generation, white point editing, and patch set customization. i1Profiler 3
Iterative Profiling: Uses the i1Prism engine to optimize printer profiles based on specific images or spot colors, improving shadow and highlight detail.
Optical Brightener Compensation (OBC): Essential for photographers printing on papers with high levels of brighteners, as it reduces the "blue-ish" color cast often found in such substrates. Pros & Cons i1 Profiler product overview, updates and reviews
9. Real-World Performance Summary (from user reviews & testing)
- Accuracy: Excellent for display and printer when using recommended patch sets. Delta-E 2000 < 1 for most displays.
- Speed: Average – slower than DisplayCAL for large patch sets but faster than OEM apps (Epson, Canon).
- Ease of use: Good wizard-based workflow. Advanced mode exposes full control.
- Stability: Reliable on Windows 10/11. On macOS, occasional USB timeouts with i1Pro 3 (fixed in 3.12).
1. The Commercial Photographer
If you shoot tethered (Capture One or Lightroom), you need your monitor to match your print lab. i1Profiler 311 allows you to create multiple monitor profiles for different lighting conditions (daylight studio vs. tungsten home office). Accuracy : Excellent for display and printer when
Best Practices to Maximize i1Profiler 311
To extract every ounce of performance from this software, follow these professional tips:
- Recalibrate Every 2-4 Weeks: Displays drift over time. Set a calendar reminder. i1Profiler 311 can schedule reminders for you.
- Profile Printer for Each Paper/Ink Combination: A profile for Epson Premium Luster is worthless on Hahnemühle Photo Rag. Create a unique profile for every media type.
- Validate, Don’t Just Calibrate: After calibration, use the Validation feature to print a test image (i1Profiler 311 includes built-in test charts like "Skin Tones," "Grayscale," and "Color Checker").
- Clean Your Instrument: The i1Pro 3’s optics are sensitive. Use a microfiber cloth and the included cleaning swab. Dust on the lens will throw off every measurement.
3. Changes & Improvements in v3.1.1
Based on release notes from X‑Rite (v3.1.0 → v3.1.1):
| Category | Update |
|--------------|-------------|
| Bug fixes | – Fixed crash when generating certain printer charts on macOS 10.15.
– Resolved i1Display Pro USB connection drop on Windows after sleep.
– Corrected patch measurement order for i1iO table. |
| Hardware compatibility | – Full support for i1Pro 3 Plus (larger aperture).
– i1Studio integration for LED-based print measurement. |
| Operating system | – Officially supports macOS Catalina (10.15) with notarization.
– Drops support for macOS 10.12 (Sierra) and older. |
| Performance | – Faster patch recognition for printed charts.
– Reduced memory usage for large printer profiles (>2000 patches). |
Step 4: Activation
Upon first launch, i1Profiler 311 will ask for a license key (bundled with your i1 device). If you are using a legacy i1Pro 2, the software will recognize the hardware serial number and unlock the "Basic" mode. For "Advanced" features (CMYK profiling, multi-channel printing), you must enter the Plus license key.