Subjective and objective universal substrate printer ICC profile selection

Forming a multicolor image on a receiver member wherein a database of custom color profiles based on substrate physical properties and printing process characteristics is established. A set of universal color profiles is determined based on physical properties of substrates from clustered custom profiles. One universal color profile is assigned to a target substrate from the set of universal color profiles based on objective or subjective feedback. Thereafter, a multicolor toner image is formed on the receiver member with toners of at least three different colors of toner pigments which form various combinations of colors at different pixel locations on the receiver member to form the multicolor toner image thereon using the assigned one color profile. Based on objective or subjective feedback, the selected one universal color profile is modified, or a different universal color profile is selected.