Digital Prints

Here’s what happens behind the scene: LAB values are created when the printed profiling
target is measured, and these LAB values are compared to reference values already known
for that target. Two-way lookup tables (LUT) are then calculated in both the RGB or
CMYK>LAB and LAB>RGB or CMYK directions, and you end up with a profile that
characterizes that printer on that day with its combination of settings, inks, and paper.
Finally, when you’re ready to print using those exact same settings, inks, and paper, you select
that ICC profile in your image-editing software, and out comes a much-improved print!
One thing to emphasize about printer profiling
is that it’s not the printer that’s
profiled! Instead, it’s the combination of
printer resolution and driver settings, ink,
and paper. Change one variable, and you
need a new profile. That’s why it’s common
for photographer-artists to have many different
printer profiles, one for each
printer/ink/paper combination.
Where do printer profiles live in the computer?
The locations vary depending on
platform and OS version. They are basically
the same as with the monitor profiles.
A World of Profiles
Where do printer profiles come from? There are three main sources: generic or canned,
custom-made remote, and do-it-yourself with profile-building software (see Table 4.1).
(For information about acquiring and using printer profiles with outside service
providers such as photo labs with Fuji Frontiers or printmakers, see Chapter 10.)
Table 4.1 Printer Profiles
Chapter 4 ■ Understanding and Managing Color 135
A printer profile’s lookup table data as
seen through the CHROMiX
ColorThink Color List.
ColorThink courtesy of CHROMiX
Generic Custom DIY
scanner-based spectro-based
user level beginner and up serious amateur and up amateur/serious amateur professional
convenience level very easy easy moderately difficult difficult
supported printers OEM only all all all
type of profile RGB RGB/CMYK RGB/CMYK RGB/CMYK + specialty
cost free $100 average $79 to $329 $1,000 to $10,000
per profile per package per package