How To Use Inkjet Printer Profiles: Photoshop CS6 CC on a Mac

Instructions for Epson, Canon, and HP inkjet printers

Color profiles are pieces of software that bypass your printer color management in an attempt to reproduce better color gamut and print quality for a specific paper, printer and ink set. If you are unfamiliar with profiles or Photoshop, read all support documents carefully before beginning.

GET STARTED

When you are ready to print, choose File > Print (Command +P) and the Print dialog will appear.

What to do in this dialog

1) Set Color Handling to Photoshop Manages Colors

2) Choose your paper’s profile from the Printer Profile drop down

3) Select rendering intent – Relative Colorimetric or Perceptual. We recommend Relative Colorimetric.

4) Check Black Point Compensation

5) Click Print Settings

 

EPSON PRINTERS

(scroll down for Canon and HP)

Your screen may look different!

Each printer driver may be set up with different drop down menus and even different control options. However, all Epson printers come with the functions you need - set the media type, print quality, and verify color management is turned off at the driver level.

What to do on this dialog

1) Click the drop down menu and choose PRINTER SETTINGS

2) Set the media type based on the INSTRUCTIONS PDF that came with the profile download.
Note: The name of the Red River paper you're using will not show up in this drop down menu.

3) The OS will automatically disable the printer's color management - the box is grayed out.

4) Print Quality - Look for "SuperFine" or "Photo" options. These are recommended for best quality, speed, and ink economy.
High speed can be turned off for best results

CANON PRINTERS

What to do in this dialog

1) Click the drop down menu and choose Quality & Media

2) Set the media type based on the INSTRUCTIONS PDF that came with the profile download.
Note: The name of the Red River paper you're using will not show up in this drop down menu.

3) Print Quality -The recommended setting is Highest or High.

Now click on the Color Options drop-down menu.

In the Color Options menu the slider bars should be grayed out and will not move.

Verify your setting again and click Save. 

When back at the Photoshop print menu you can click the Print button.

HP PRINTERS

What do to in this dialog

1) Set the media type based on your profile’s instructions.
Note: The name of the Red River paper you're using will not show up in this drop down menu.

2) The Mac OS will automatically disable the printer's color management.

3) Set print quality - usually Best for printing photos and artwork

Now click on the Color Options tab (see below).

On the Color Options tab, all controls should be grayed out. This indicates that Photoshop is managing the colors.

Verify your other quality settings and click Save. When back at the Photoshop print menu you can click the Print button.