texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

May I ask how/where you get the print profiles and then get them loaded in to the computer to work with the printer? Does each printing entity have their own profiles? Just thought I'd ask while we are talking of printing today.

EstherP

Eve, once upon a time I did my own printing from PSE.
I turned off and ignored any and all printer profiles and "told" PSE to control the colours instead.

EstherP

texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

Thanks Esther...I usually print out of LR, and I have better luck than printing from PS. I was just curious about the profiles and how they are loaded in.

texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

I found some of my answers on the Epson site...it doesn't help much unless you have a large printer. That is what I am understanding.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Texas, it doesn't have anything to do with the size of the printer. Profiles are governed by the ICC(international color consortium). Every printer prints different and many papers are a different color, thus creating differences between finished print colors. To keep this consistent and true to color, every paper manufacturer creates a ICC profile for each printer using the different papers they produce. That means there can be hundreds of them.
There are lots of printers, so they will create a profile for only the most popular printers. This is where you may be confusing big or expensive. That's also why ,ie, Epson has you pick which paper you are using, so the printer can print it correctly. But the Epson driver only has Epson papers in it. So if you use a third party paper, you need to go to that company to download the profile, so the Epson printer will know what to do, or pick what seems to be a similar Epson profile.
All that said, most people never pick a custom profile, and they never seem to complain about the colors of their prints.
If you are unhappy with your final printed colors, could be you need a profile or you need to calibrate your monitor or both.
If you have other questions, just ask.
Good luck

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

SharpShooter has provided good info. As to how and where you install a downloaded ICC profile depends on your operating system. I can't comment on PC machines, but on a Mac you go to Library > ColorSync >Profiles folder and drop it in. From there it is available to select in your print dialog box.

texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

Thanks - the reason I thought it was for larger printers was when I went to the Epson site, it did not offer anything for my Artisan 810. The profiles started with a larger printer. I did read up on how to load them if I ever get serious about printing my own. I can't believe we save any money printing with ink prices the way they are.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Texas, glad you got what you needed.
Just so you know, I doubt anybody prints cause they save money, it always cost more.
People print to have full control of the process, or to print at 2 in the morning or to use a special paper since Costco only has two types.
Some say printing is a lose lose situation. They would be right. But you want a lose lose lose situation ? Try photography!!

texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

Meridian does really good work and doesn't bust the bank. thanks for answering!!

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Here's a how to guide by the company that manages and maintains the printers that Costco has. They tell you most of what you need to do with printer profiles. http://www.drycreekphoto.com/icc/using_printer_profiles.htm

You usually get printer profiles for other printers from the paper manufacturer companies for other makes and models of printer. Go to their web sites for more info.

texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

Thanks so much!

Mousie M Loc: Coventry, UK

Gee, Jeep Daddy, that looks complex and the first sentence assumes you already know a lot about it! Interested in your comment Sharp Shooter nobody prints to save money. Notice most of you guys are in the US, is there someone in UK that does good cost effective printing? Note that Jessops went bust a few days ago (190 stores, lots of people out of work) which is a real loss and shame.