In a method or device to control at least one property of a print image printed on a substrate, a first evaluation period is defined. A measurement value is determined with aid of an optical sensor which measures at least one determination point on the substrate within the first evaluation period, and also determining a position of the determination point within the first evaluation period. The determined measurement value is compared with a preset reference value. Depending on a result of the comparison, an inking of the substrate is controlled for the print image in at least one subsequent second evaluation period at a point within the second evaluation period which has a position within the second evaluation period that corresponds to said position of the determination point in said first evaluation period.