Print estimate guide
How to count probable color pages in a PDF on Mac
A rendered page can provide useful color evidence, but it cannot tell you how a press, RIP or print shop will bill the job. A sound count exposes the heuristic and preserves uncertainty.
1. Hash and freeze the source PDF
Record the source filename, byte count and SHA-256 before inspection. Work from the customer file in place and do not rewrite it just to produce a count.
2. Render a bounded local sample
Render each page at a documented bounded resolution and sample visible RGB channel differences. A visible chroma signal supports probable color; it does not measure ink coverage.
3. Preserve unsupported color evidence
Separation, DeviceN, Pattern and unreadable profile evidence can change print behavior. Mark those pages unknown instead of silently treating them as grayscale.
4. Hand the count to a person
Report grayscale, probable-color and unknown counts separately, with page numbers and the heuristic version. Let the estimator apply the shop's actual billing and production rules.