The Digital Dog will create a custom ColorSync/ICC profile for your output device. We will measure the prints and create a custom profile for you to use in any ColorSync/ICC/ICM savvy product. Profiles can be used on either or both Mac and Windows systems.
Not all profiles are created equally!
We use state of the art hardware and software and have been building profiles for customers for over 15 years. Read comments about custom profiling from a few of our satisfied customers.
We guarantee our profiles (not happy, don't pay). Turn around is usually 24 hours from receipt of targets.
I have the newest and best Spectrophotometer on the market, the X-rite iSis XL. This unit uses and LED light source and is excellent at dealing with fluorescent optical brighteners found in many ink-jet papers (see this article on OBAs).
The iSis XL makes two measurements per row of patches; one with and without UV cut filtration.
Profiles are generated with the newest X-rite Color Engine found in i1Profiler. Optimization and OBA compensation possible with all profiles.
Instructions (sorry but there’s a number of items you need to pay attention to):
Download the appropriate TIFF files and print as described below. Select targets based on the color space and paper size:
If you are printing to A4 sized printer (Target is 8x10.3 inches) use this 2 page 1728 patch target for RGB
If you are printing to A3 tabloid size paper (Target is 10x15 inches) or larger, use this 1 page 1728 patch target for RGB.
NOTE: the A3 and A4 targets are identical expect for size and patch layout. Use which ever works best for your needs.
For output to CMYK devices (printing presses, contract proofs) use this CMYK Target
Custom sized targets can be created if the sizes above will not fit your printer. Send an email and let us know the maximum printable area of your output device. If image opens in browser, OPTION/ALT click on the above links to download. All files are Zipped for Macintosh or Windows users. Having problems unzipping files? Be sure to download the latest version of StuffIt Expander (Mac & PC) at http://www.stuffit.com
Printing:
Adobe has released a free utility called Adobe Color Print Utility for printing these targets which is the best way to handle this task.
Go to http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/no-color-management-option-missing.html
Optional download area IF Adobe's servers are not working:
Mac:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/1ona720xob24lbehos0p1/h?rlkey=u5od8duhaawhqrrd9p73mh8mk&dl=0
Windows:
I have a video showing you how to use the Adobe Color Print Utility for printing targets. If you want to skip all the instructions below, just watch this video: How to print targets using the Adobe Color Print Utility
Here is a PDF for Mac users on printing with the ColorSync Utility under Catalina to Monterey. Also read about a bug when printing in newer versions of macOS here: http://digitaldog.net/files/API%20Print%20bug%20in%20macOS.pdf
For Canon users printing out of Photoshop using the Canon Export Module, set the print mode and output profile as seen here: http://digitaldog.net/files/Canon_Export_Module.jpg
Optionally, for a PDF from X-Rite that will walk you through these steps, click on this link for EPSON and CANON printers. Go here:
http://www.xritephoto.com/ph_learning.aspx?action=browse&parent=3&topic=7#article
If you're printing from an Ink-Jet printer, be sure all your inks are firing (do a head cleaning first). The color patches should output a solid, clean color.
Do not alter the target files in any way other than re-sampling (NOT RESIZING) if desired (not recommended).
The files must be output at 100% of the size downloaded. Do NOT crop off the black triangles.
Double check, as seen below, that the black triangles are not cut off! They measure approximately 203mm from side to side.
IF YOUR PRINTER CANNOT print to this size at 100% without cropping, email us for smaller targets.
BEFORE YOU SEND THE 2 PAGE TARGET, DOUBLE CHECK IT MEASURES about 203MM OR WE CANNOT MEASURE IT!
Do NOT convert the files in any way when opening these TIFFs. Targets are untagged and do not need an assigned profile.
You can use a type layer to label the targets using Photoshop's type tool if you wish. Targets are in 16-bit. You can resample down to 8-bit for output should your print driver not support 16-bit files (most can).
Preparing the printed targets:
Specify printer (and media) so we can name your profile (for example Epson_3880Luster). You can write this on the targets using a pen, below the color patches or use a type layer.
Send targets without folding or you could damage the printed patches! The patches must be clean and clearly readable.
Add your Email address so we can send the profile. Be sure that you do not have a Spam Filter that would inhibit us from sending you the profile.
Please note the following about delivery and turn-around time: Profiles are usually built within 24 hours of receipt. Note "issues" with U.S. Mail, including Priority Mail!
If you are in a hurry to have your profiles generated, it is advised that you send via Federal Express.
It is not uncommon for the U.S. mail to take over one week to deliver to Santa Fe.
If you have any questions about handling these files please call us before you output the targets.
Select the correct paper MEDIA SETTING for your papers.
How to use these ICC profiles in Photoshop: Using profiles in Photoshop 5.0 though CS4 with printer drivers and Export Modules and how to set drivers to print targets. This is still pertinent for Photoshop 2020 and all previous versions.
BEFORE YOU SEND THE 2 PAGE TARGET, DOUBLE CHECK IT MEASURES 203MM* OR WE CANNOT MEASURE IT!
*195-205mm is acceptable but do not deviate from these values!
Do NOT convert the files in any way when opening these TIFFs. Targets are untagged and do not need an assigned profile.
You can use a type layer to label the targets using Photoshop's type tool if you wish.
Targets are in 16-bit. You can sample down to 8-bit for output should your print driver not support 16-bit files (most can).
Preparing the printed targets:
Specify printer (and media) so we can name your profile (for example Epson_3880Luster).
You can write this on the targets using a pen, below the color patches or use a type layer.
Send targets without folding or you could damage the printed patches! The patches must be clean and clearly readable.
Add your Email address so we can send the profile. Be sure that you do not have a Spam Filter that would inhibit us from sending you the profile.
Please note the following about delivery and turn-around time: Profiles are usually built within 24 hours of receipt.
Note "issues" with U.S. Mail, including Priority Mail!
If you are in a hurry to have your profiles generated, it is advised that you send via Federal Express or other carrier.
It is not uncommon for the U.S. mail to take over two weeks to deliver to Santa Fe.
If you have any questions about handling these files please call us before you output the targets.
Please send targets well packaged to avoid bending and damage to:
Andrew Rodney
The Digital Dog
4 Gavilan Place
Santa Fe, NM 87508-8855
(505) 216-6223
Copyright © 1999-2024 Andrew Rodney & The Digital Dog