Okay, so there’s a lot of confusion about printing lately, so here’s a quick list of things to look out for:
First: In Photoshop CS2, choose File->Print With Preview. In CS3, just pick File->Print.
Second: The dialogue boxes for CS2 and CS3 are different, but the important stuff is still there. Make sure you choose the right printer here.
Third: Click on ‘Page Setup…” and select the right printer and paper size and orientation.
Fourth: If there is an option to ‘Match Print Colors’ uncheck the box.
Fifth: There is a selector box that says either “Color Management” or “Output”. Click on it and choose “Color Management”
- Choose “Document”
- Color Handling: Photoshop Manages Colors
- Printer Profile: will be a combination of the printer code and the paper finish, e.g. SPR2400 Premium Luster, or SPR1800 PremiumGlossy. Pick the one that matches your printer and paper.
- Rendering Intent: There are four options. The selected option will have a description appear below when you mouse over the option bar. Read the description and choose the best fit for you.
- Double check to make sure the “Match Print Colors” option is unchecked.
Sixth: Hit “Print…” This will take you our of Photoshop and into the particular printer control panel.
Seventh: For your printer, select the appropriate model. DO NOT SEND PRINTS TO COMPHOTOBROTHER. Also, click on the triangle to the right to expand the print options.
Eighth: On the option bar that says “Layout” click and select “Print Settings”
- Page Setup: Standard
- Media Type: Set for your paper, e.g. glossy, luster, etc.
- Color: Color
- Color Settings: OFF (No Color Adjustment) <– If this is on, the printer fights with Photoshop and gives unpredictable results.
- Mode: Advanced
- Print Quality: Photo or Best Photo — you choose.
- Uncheck High Speed
Ninth: You can save the setup in the “Presets” option bar, so you don’t have to go through this dance every time you make a print. I recommend giving an intuitive name like 2400 Luster.
Tenth: Hit Print.
Other notes:
- Apple monitors are very bright, which can make you perceive your pictures inaccurately. Dim the monitor to half brightness with the buttons on the side of it to get a better sense of what the print will look like.
- If the colors are spotty or there are weird lines, use the printer utility to run a couple checks: HD->Applications->Epson Print Utility 3.
Alright, good luck. And as always, if you run into any problems, email photo[at]bu[dot]edu.
– D