Printing With Photoshop

[shootem]

Several members have requested help on printing. I have a brief tutorial that I'll post here, and hope if you (like most of us at one point in time) can't understand why your print does not look like the image on your computer screen ’‚’‚…‚’‚‚‚‚� can see your printing improve.
This is specifically for PSCS2, however, I believe it works with many versions of PS.
Also, there are a few instructions here that pertain to printing with an Epson R2400, or Epson Stylus 3800 in regards to loading the paper.... disregard this if you have a different printer, RTFM for yours

First and Foremost:

1) Be certain your computer is calibrated. It needs to be done about every 2 weeks. The colours change.... that's one reason many of us "see" different things on peoples images.

2) Don't skip any of these steps. Print it out, read it every time until it's committed to memory.


Here's the deal for printing through PS.

Open your file.

File > Print With Preview

1) Go to the first drop down menu under the pic and be
sure it says "Color Management"
2) Under Print, Document should be checked.
These 2 won't change unless you change them, so from
now on you don't need to do anything here.

The Next Box OPTIONS is Super Important.

1) Color Handling Choose "Let PS Determine Colors"

2) Printer Profile ’‚’‚…‚’‚‚‚‚� This is where you choose the
correct ICC Profile for the paper you are going to
use. If you have the wrong profile checked, you can
get horrible results. This will change every time you
change paper types. There are default icc profiles here already.
When you add custom profiles (either from downloading
them from the company, or having them made for your
specific printer, they will show up here
after you install them)

3)Under Rendering Intent Choose Perceptual, and check
the black point compensation box.

The only changes you will now need to make every time
you print is the icc profile under Printer Profile.

Next:
Choose Page Set Up:
SETTINGS should say Page Attributes. This won't
change.
FORMAT FOR: Choose your printer here. You need to
choose this every time.
Paper Size: Choose your paper size here, and also how
it will feed. Any thick paper such as Hahnamuehle Or
Epson Velvet needs to be back loaded with the Extra
attachment put on. For this type of paper, choose the
size, and Manual-Roll. This is hugely important and
caused me tons of grief until I figured it out. In your
instruction manual it is on page 18-21 Loading
Special Paper in the Single Sheet Guide. DO NOT try to
front load. It won't work.

Next, Hit Print BUT YOU ARE NOT DONE SETTING UP YET

Another Box will open.
Make sure your printer is selected under printer.
Under Presets, the first box should say standard.
These first 2 won't change.
The second menu under presets is the MOST IMPORTANT
STEP.
In the menu that says Copies and Pages,
1) Choose Print settings. Here you will choose your
paper type. If you are using Hanemuhle, choose velvet
fine art. It is very similar. In fact, if you have an
icc profile for that paper, you can use it with
perfect success. I do. If you are using ilford pearl, choose semi gloss.
2 ) Under Color, choose color or Advanced B&W
3) Under Mode, Check Advanced.
4) Uncheck High Speed (unless you are doing a down and dirty proof...
5) For print quality, if I am proofing, I do it with Best Photo (on a small paper.
If I am printing for myself, or a portfolio, I choose Best Photo.
If I am printing for a competition, a gallery, or
sale, I coose Photo RPM. The later uses tons of ink.
Now, go back to that menu that now says Print
settings, and if the print is color, choose Color
Management. Turn Color Management OFF
If you don't do this, your colors will be screwed, cause both the printer and photoshop will try to color manage. I know earlier you told it to let PS determine colours, but you have to tell it again here.
If it is a B&W print, leave this one alone.
That's It. Now push print again, but it's for real this time.
Make a short list of this for yourself, and go through
it every time you print. If you don't ’‚’‚…‚’‚‚‚‚� you will make mistakes.

Hope this helps .......

If you have questions, ask.

Carolyn

Sorry 'bout the line wrap... I copied and pasted this from an email I have sent out.

[northbeach]

Carolyn, thanks for this. I'm not having problems so far as I know but I will check all of this out to be sure.

Sheila

[shootem]

Sheila, if it's not broke, don't fix it!!

Carolyn

[SMcEvoy]

Thanks again for great advice Carolyn! I will definitely be trying some of this out. Gotta get that monitor calibration thing happenng first!