Here's How This Works...

Once you register as a book owner, I'll email you a password that will allow you to download these images to your computer. Once downloaded, load your favorite paper into the printer, choose the paper type from the Media menu that closest describes the paper on which you will be printing.

Print the picture at 100% size and compare the print to the printed version in Chapter 12 of the book. Follow the directions from the chapter to create a "mini" profile for your particular printer and your choice of paper. Make sure you print on papers that are manufactured specifically for your printer type (ink jet papers for ink jet printers, laser papers for laser printers, etc.).

About printer and monitor
calibration and profiling.

Inks reflect their colors uniquely from different paper surfaces. Ink jet and laser papers are treated with chemicals and coated with surfaces that accept colorants (inks and toners) quite differently. Since ink jet printers use liquid inks, specific paper surfaces are developed to accept and reflect inks.

There are several ways to maintain color accuracy and quality control with your printer; both manual and electronic. Remember, there are three elements in the printing process that control very important variables. These elements are: 1) printing technology being used (inkjet, laser, dye transfer, etc.), 2) ink consistency (manufacturer's brand, off-brand, refill, etc.), and 3) paper type (coated, uncoated, etc.). Stablizing these three elements is very important if print consistency is to be achieved... change one variable and the results will change.

To achieve optimal qualigy, all elements should remain constant. The best results will always be achieved by having these variables controlled by an accurate printer profile (click HERE for more detail on this process).

There is a Swiss-manufactured device (called ColorMunki) that can profile both your printer and your monitor, and then continually adjust your monitorread according to the ambient light in the room. This product is manufactured by Pantone and marketed by X-Rite.

Scattered amidst the text are reference images taken from Chapter 12 in the Correct Color book. Click on a picture to view a larger version. While the larger images should look great on your monitor, they are not of sufficient resolution to print their best.

I have linked the larger pictures to the high resolution files so readers of the book can download and use them to fine-tune their personal printers. While this method is not as scientifically accurate as having a custom printer profile developed for your choice of papers, it has proven to be quite sufficient for most consumers and digital camera hobbiests.

In Chapter 12 of the book I describe (in some detail) how to adjust your printer software's color settings to print colors more accurately. While there is no suitable substitute for custom profiles, this simple "visual" tuning process can deliver more accurate color on papers other than the brand-specific papers listed in the "Media" menu.

About These Images

These images were selected for their tonal range and color content. Each image presents a color accuracy challenge for printers that will reveal areas that need adjustment. The importance of printing "clean" in all tonal ranges is quite critical in your quest for "correct color."