Get your images to look as good on paper as they do on screen – discover how to get the best photo printing results every time, on any type of paper, by using ICC profiles to ensure quality and consistency.
Isn't it frustrating when what you get on paper doesn't match what you see on screen? Photo printing can seem like a dark art sometimes, even when you're using some of the latest and greatest printers, like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 and Canon PIXMA PRO-200.
To some extent, of course, an image will never look exactly the same on paper as on screen, because a print is reflective with subtractive colours (meaning that the more ink you add, the darker and generally muddier colours become) while a computer screen is a transmissive light source itself, with additive colours (the more you add, the brighter and generally more intense colours become). However, there are some initial steps you can take to prevent common problems and minimise surprises, such as calibrating your monitor and adopting a colour-managed workflow. In addition, by careful use of ICC profiles, you can get the best possible match between your image on-screen and in print, helping you avoid disappointment and frustration and put a stop to wasting time and money.
Here Keith Cooper, owner of Northlight Images and renowned industry expert on all things print-related, answers your questions on how and why to use ICC profiles to ensure accuracy and optimum quality in your photo printing.