CS3 with Epson Printers

Creating a Custom ICC Profile with Adobe Photoshop CS3

A printable PDF Version can be downloaded here

1. Prepare Your Printer
Make sure you do NOT have any clogged nozzles. Run the Nozzle Check before printing images. Dirty nozzles will result in banding similar to that of printing at 720dpi. If you run the test prints with clogged nozzles it will throw off your color once they are unclogged.  (Please refer to you printer manual for additional instructions)

2. Download the test targets

Download the test targets from www.booksmartstudio.com or load the CD.

 RGB Large Targets   •   RGB Small Targets   •   Complete Packet (Order Form, Target, Instructions.)

3. Check your Color Settings
In Photoshop you can access the color setting by going to Edit on the top menu bar. Please ensure that under Color Handling Policies it is checked Ask When Opening for Missing Profiles

4. Open the Test Targets
Please note the Small target is one page. The Large is two pages, both need to be printed.
When opening the files please leave the color space Untagged.

    Do not resize the test targets from Booksmart Studio in either dimension or resolution!!

5. Setting Up Photoshop’s Print Settings
Print utilizing the proper settings in the print drivers for your application. The following are the steps for those utilizing the Epson print drivers. For those who are using RIP's, please e-mail profiles@booksmartstudio.com or refer to the RIP software for advice on making custom profiles.

CS3 Print Window

A. Go to File / Print from the top menu bar.

B. Set your Page Setup settings appropriately.


C. Choose No Color Management
under Color Handling.
This will disable / grey out the printer profile options and rendering intents.


D. Click on Print

6. Setting Up The Printer Driver  (PC users please see special note below)
The printer driver window will show slight variation in options for selection depending on the printer used. The options below are shown for the Espon 4800. These will be consistent for all the Epson Professional Imaging Printers. Differences for the Desktop models are noted in the instructions.

Print Dialog Window

A. Choose the correct printer.


B. Click on the tab that reads Layout, go to Print Settings.
This may appear as copies and pages in the older operating system.

Epson Printer Driver- Print Setting Window

C. Choose the media type that you believe
is closest to the substrate/paper you are using.
The media settings available may not coincide with your paper exactly. Each setting here determine which black ink is being used (matte or photo) and how much ink is being laid down on the paper. For example the Enhanced Matte setting will lay down more ink than the Plain Paper setting.

D. Click on Advanced Settings.

E. Choose the resolution you wish to use.
 Booksmart Studio does not recommend anything higher than 1440 for matte or fine art papers.
Do not print any paper using a resolution
lower than 1440. 2880 can be used for your higher gloss papers.
It is under the advanced settings that you will find variations for the R series printers (R800, R1800, R2400). Best Photo would equate to 1440, Photo RPM to 2880.

Epson Printer Driver- Printer Color Management Window

F. Click on the Print Settings tab and go to Printer Color
Management.

G. Very Important! Make sure in the color management
properties  window that the “No Color Adjustment” option
is selected.  Special Note: PC Users, this option is found
under the ICM option as show on the next page.


H. Click Print.

7.  Record the settings you used to print the target for each different type of media and printer combination. It is critical that you use the appropriate settings for each different media, once you receive and utilize your profile. If you decide to change any of these settings, you MUST reprofile your printer. Settings to watch for are media type, resolution, color management settings, color settings. It may help you to print an extra copy of the order form to keep for your records.

8. Fill out your order form with the settings as well. Label the targets with a corresponding number to the Profile Order Form. No Not write over any of the color patches or on the back side as our machines can read through thinner papers altering the color reading.

9. Allow your prints to dry for 24 hours.

10. Place divider sheets of plain paper between your test targets. Do not use a tissue or wax paper as this can cause scuffing or reactions with the ink.

11. Send your printed test targets to Booksmart Studio in a sturdy mailer, labeled with “DO NOT BEND.”
The use of cardboard inserts to prevent any possible bending or folding of the package will also ensure no damage is caused during mailing.

Printed targets will not be returned, however, they will be filed for possible troubleshooting needs.