Color registration strategy for preprinted forms

A computer-implemented method for performing color registration on template media having template markings thereon. The method comprising sensing the template media using a linear array sensor to obtain first image data; printing a test pattern on the template media; sensing the template media along with the test pattern printed thereon to obtain second image data; transforming the first image data and the second image data into an absorbance space to obtain a first absorbance and a second absorbance, respectively; calculating a difference between the first and the second absorbances to obtain an output absorbance; transforming the output absorbance into a reflectivity space to obtain an output data; determining a process direction misregistration and a cross-process direction misregistration from the output data; and adjusting a cross-process position and a process position of print heads based on the process and cross-process direction misregistration to provide accurate color registration on subsequent template media.