A method for correcting digitized image data in the prepress stage when using printing presses having a device-independent color profile in the main printing stage, having the following method steps: colorimetric measurement of a reference sheet and production of an image file in a device-independent color space, conversion of an image file belonging to the reference sheet in a device-dependent color space into a further image file in a device-independent color space using the device-independent color profile belonging to the printing press to be used, comparison of the two device-independent image files. performing alterations on the device-dependent image file associated with the reference sheet or alteration of the printing process in the selected printing press if tolerance limits are exceeded.