In research and development of inkjet print heads, characterizing ink drops in flight is often done using highspeed video and image analysis techniques. However, such characterization techniques have limited use in production quality control because of limitations in measurement accuracy, reproducibility and speed. Furthermore, the techniques offer no opportunity to observe the interaction of ink and media, well recognized as a determining factor in inkjet print quality. A more practical alternative for inkjet head quality control is to examine print quality using a welldesigned test pattern printed on selected media. Print quality measurements typically quantify the accuracy of dot placement, the relative positions of dots projected from multiple nozzles, and dot size and shape. Also quantified are the absence of dots and the presence of satellites, indicators of faulty jetting. If implemented properly, the print quality methodology described can yield critical information not only for final product acceptance, but also for process control and continuous product improvement. Discussed here are the general design requirements for this type of test system, a design methodology for the test targets, data reduction and analysis methods, and system calibration issues. Performance results from a commercial system are also critically examined.