Color Management or ICC Profiles

[heirmeistr]

Hi,
Okay I have to admit I don't have clue on how to do this. :oops: All I know is that sometimes my printouts aren't even close to what I see on my monitor. I have an Epson 825 photo printer and a Elements monitor.
The "PSE3 getting started booklet" says it is critical to profile and calibrate you monitor. So how do I does this? What are the steps? Each and every step if you don't mind.
The booklet then says it is important to install your printers profile? Again I am lost.
I have read this a few times but I am not exactly sure what to do. I would hate to screw up my printer or monitor.
Thanks so much

[William Allen]

You can use Adobe Gamma to profile your monitor, but, the better solution would be to get a spyder. You should be able to find Abode Gamma in your Control Panel folder. It will walk you through the steps. Just make sure your monitor has been turned on for at least 30 minutes without the screen saver running.

You can purchase a colorvision spyder from Amazon for about $100.

[Tom M]

Have you installed the printer driver, in your computer, that is the CD that came with the printer?

[heirmeistr]

Allen,
Thanks. I could not find anything that said how to access the Adobe Gamma program. Now that my monitor is calibrated, how do I install my printers profile? Warned you I needed step by step instructions. I am a definite noobie to this.
Thanks

Tom,
When I installed the printer, the software also installed the drivers. That isn't the same as the printers profile though is it?
Thanks

[Jodi Frye]

Hi Harry, the profiles should have been installed when the driver was installed.

C:Windows>System 32>Spool>drivers>color...you'll see something like SP820...

Another way to locate if you have profiles installed is to open Elements and go to File>print>Check' Show more options' and in the drop down of the ' Print Space' you should see the profiles listed. If you don't have them you can download them from the Epson site.

Download PIM II plug in...this includes the profiles ...I do believe it's a self installer package.

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/supDetail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1388189153.11274087 77@@@@&BV_EngineID=eaddejegfhjhbfdmcfjgckidnf.0&cookies=no&oid=14410&prodoid=22708394&infoType=Downloads&platform=All

[Tom M]

Harry, when I first got PSE, I used these settings because they were less confusing.(click on thumbs)
http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/2352/print5ir.th.jpg (http://img394.imageshack.us/my.php?image=print5ir.jpg)
You can also try this other method.
In the print dialog, click on Print Space.
You should see a choice of Epson papers.
Choose the paper type that you are using.
http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/6446/printpreview2qf.th.jpg (http://img394.imageshack.us/my.php?image=printpreview2qf.jpg)
After you click Print you get the Epson window.
For Print Settings, choose the paper type.
Then for Color Management, No Color Management.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/677/printsettings5mu.th.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/my.php?image=printsettings5mu.jpg)
I am assuming the dialogs will be similar for your printer.
P.S. If I knew I was going to print I would start the process by clicking, in the top menu bar; Photoshop Elements>Color Settings>Full Color Management.

[heirmeistr]

Jodi & Tom,
Wow. Looks like a lot of good info. I will try it tonight when I go home. Thanks

[William Allen]

Harry,

To access Adobe Gamma,

1. Go to the start menu at the lower left of your screen.

2. There should be an icon or something that will access your control panel. This may also be located on your desktop.

3. The adobe gamma icon should be in the control panel. If it is not in the control panel you can find it on your Elements 3 CD.

4. Click on the step by step. This will lead you through the process. You should create a monitor profile and get used to doing this if you expect to have good prints :)

Again, I would highly recommend you get a colorvision spyder, especially if you plan on doing prints. What you see on your screen should be what you see in print.

Here is the instructions for Adobe Gamma:

http://www.adobe.com/support/techdocs/321608.html

Here's a link to some good spyders...

http://tinyurl.com/bbm73