Mike Chaney's Tech Corner

Technical Discussions => Printer Media => Topic started by: Muizen on October 28, 2009, 06:05:24 PM



Title: softproofing in QI
Post by: Muizen on October 28, 2009, 06:05:24 PM
When I soft proof an image in QI with the paper profile Pro 38 PGPP the blacks are being covered by a slight gray-ish cast. The same effect I get in CS3 when I use view - proof set up with the same paper profile. In both cases it does not matter whether I use relative col with black point selected (and in CS3 similate paper color selected) or perceptual (no black point selected) (and in CS3, simulate paper color selected). The results are the blacks covered by a gray-ish cast.
What should I conclude from these observations?
Harry


Title: Re: softproofing in QI
Post by: Fred A on October 28, 2009, 06:17:44 PM
Quote
What should I conclude from these observations?
I would conclude nothing from a softproof image on a screen.
Softproofing is a highly overrated tool that pits the printer profile against the monitor profile, and tries to simulate your final print.
Make a real print. Make a few real prints!
Then you will know how very well you did.

Fred


Title: Re: softproofing in QI
Post by: Seth on November 04, 2009, 12:03:28 AM
With a very high-end monitor with a very accurate ICM profile and a custom ICC profile for the paper/printer/ink, it would work well.  Other than that--make a print.

My work flow for large prints (a la Clayton Jones) is 4x5, 5x7, 8x10--then big if going there.  Slight adjustments along the way a necessary. 

If using high end papers there is usually a cheaper paper with similar color and ink reaction you can use.  Another option I use with Hawk Mountain is their occasional bad batch of paper (little specs, etc.) they box up and sell for proofing for 1/2 to 1/3 normal price.


Title: Re: softproofing in QI
Post by: Keith on November 17, 2009, 09:31:41 PM
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!  I thought these problems were ones I should be doing much better on and blaming myself.

I have already come to the conclusion that some of my problems in soft-proofing are with my monitor set up and have been looking at options here. I've had some help from Fred on the monitor options and still have not made up my mind. The LED offerings are looking very interesting. But, back to the subject, Thank you, Thank you and Thank you again for these comments! I'll keep trying and use the small print tests to confirm things before the big prints without feeling to bad about it!

Keith