Re: Profiles??

["Jon Cone" <inkjet@cone-editions.com>]

> This is somewhat off the subject.
> 
> I purchased my first inkjet printer, Epson Stylus 900, and subscribed
> to this forum to learn more about printing.
> I continue to read about "Profiles", and am willing to show my ignorance
> by asking someone to please explain to me what a "Profile" is and what
> it does.
>
> Is this something an average, non professional, printer of photos should
> know and be concerned with?
> Is this something that is for professional photo printers only?
>
> I have been to several related websites to try to find the answer, but
> to no avail.


Not too off-subject at all.

A profile is for lack of a better explanation - a database of errors. A
target is printed (for a printer profile) and measured. The target has a set
of values which are expected. The measuring device and profiling software
creates a small file which stipulates how color can be printed to that
device with predictable results. This "database" acts as a filter to alter
the color of each individual pixcel so that it will print as close as
possible to what was expected. This file is called a profile and contains a
directory which transforms color from one space to another (usually through
LAB).

Profiles are used by CMM (color matching methods) like ICM or ColorSync or
ColorBlind. These CMMs do the actual color conversion (transformation).

Profiles can be customized, and the same device may have a hundred different
profiles that can be used which will give varying results. There are good
profiles, bad profiles, really bad, and really great profiles. Some profiles
take into consideration things like maximum ink coverage, or color
attenuation, or other effects.

Profiles are not actually made of a printer device - but rather of a
printer/paper/ink/printer settings. Therefore a profile is only good for one
combination of that.

It is important to use a printer profile in the same way it was made. A
profile made through Stylus RIP would be useless through the Epson driver.
One made through the Epson driver must be printed through with the same
settings it was made with.

Profiles are selected when you print. The Epson driver allows a profile to
be loaded twice (ouch be careful) when printing from Photoshop. Space
belongs to Photoshop and Printer Color Management belongs to Epson. only use
one.

Monitors and scanners can also be profiled.

A complete profile workflow would take all your devices into consideration.

I like profiles.  %^)

Here's a link on how they are loaded.

http://www.inkjetmall.com/store/howdoi.html

here is a link for choosing them from us - bookmark it as it will grow to
include the 900 quite soon.

http://www.inkjetmall.com/store/profilechooser1.html


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Jon Cone
http://www.inkjetmall.com
http://www.cone-editions.com/workshops

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