Inkjet FAQ002: Finding Output (Paper) Profiles in Mac OSX

Inkjet FAQ 002: I can’t find my Canon, Epson or HP profiles in my Profiles folder, but I see them in the Photoshop Profiles dropdown list under File>Print, and when I choose “Other” in the Color Management section in Lightroom’s Print Module. Why oh why???

When you install a printer driver from a CD, or by downloading it from the printer manufacturer’s website to make sure it is a current version (recommended), printer profiles are generally a part of the install. For Mac users using OSX, the profiles will usually be placed in one of three places:

1. /Library/ColorSync/Profiles (visible and usable by all users).

2. In your User folder (next to the house icon)/Library/ColorSync/Profiles (visible and usable by just the current User).

or here:

3. Main Hard Drive with your OSX system files/Library/Printers

What’s interesting is that OSX Spotlight searches for the profiles in Number 3 above don’t appear to work (at least they didn’t for me). Files in that section may be considered special files, and I’m sure a Unix/OSX systems expert will know exactly why that’s happening.

Also note that you will need to restart Photoshop (or any other color management aware application from which you are printing) if Photoshop is open when you add profiles to your Profiles folder. That will allow the profile list in Photoshop to refresh.

A more efficient way to find all the profiles on your system is by using a great application that comes free with your Mac. It is called “ColorSync Utility” and can be found in your Applications/Utilities folder.

One section of the Apple ColorSync Utility with the “Profiles” icon selected.

After launching the application, choose “Profiles” from the icons at the top of the screen, and then look down the list on the left of the screen. If you look inside the item named “Other” you will see the path to the “hidden profiles” that I mentioned in Number 3 above. You can also take a look at the profile in 3D color space.

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A Few Spaces Remain for Upcoming Full Day Class 1/9/2009 in NJ

I just checked with Nancy Ori and learned that there are a few spaces still available for the upcoming Full Day Inkjet Printing Class that I’ll be conducting on Friday, 1/9/2009 in Berkeley Heights, NJ. The workshop is entitled: Fine-Art Inkjet Printing Full Day Workshop: How to Prepare Files and Make Gallery-Quality Prints and it is limited to just five participants. I’ve conducted about ten of these at Nancy Ori Studios over the last six months, and the response I’ve received from attendees has been fantastic. You can read the full class description and some testimonials on this page. The early registration discount ends on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 (total including materials fee is $249 instead of $294).

A two-page PDF brochure with pricing and information can be found here. To register, call Nancy Ori Studio at (908) 790-8820 or e-mail Nancy Ori here.

Event and Book Signing Friday Nov. 21, 2008 in NJ

I’d like to invite readers of InkjetTips.com to a free event this Friday evening 11/21/2008 from 6-8pm in New Brunswick, NJ at Alfa Art Gallery. I’ll primarily be showing a new series of pigment inkjet prints of images that are shown in my book, 301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques, and I’ll be answering questions about inkjet printing. I’ll also be giving away 100 signed 11×14 posters (shown below):

It is an invitation only event, and an RSVP is requested to attend. To RSVP, please visit this page.

I hope to see some InkjetTips readers there.

All the best!

Andrew

“301 Inkjet Tips” Wins in the “Photography: Instructional/How-To” Category of The National Best Books 2008 Awards

I’m very happy to announce that 301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques: An Essential Printing Resource for Photographers was recently chosen as the winner in the “Photography: Instructional/How-To” category of The National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News. As I’m quoted in the press release below, I have many people to thank.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK – USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the winners and finalists of THE NATIONAL “BEST BOOKS” 2008 AWARDS (NBBA) on October 20, 2008. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 140 categories covering print and audio books. Awards were presented for titles published in 2008 and late 2007.

“301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques: An Essential Printing Resource for Photographers (Course PTR)” by Andrew Darlow was chosen as the winner in the ‘Photography: Instructional/How-To’ category of The National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.

Andrew Darlow, author of the 528 page book says: “I’m extremely honored that 301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques was chosen as the winner in the ‘Photography: Instructional/How-To’ category of The National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News. I sincerely thank so many who helped make the book possible, including the whole production and editorial staff at Course PTR, the book’s Series Editor, Harald Johnson, and over 25 photographers and other guest artists whose stunning imagery and advice appear throughout the book. It is a privilege to share the pages of the book with them.”
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Recently Posted Workshop Info

I just posted info about available spaces for a few inkjet printing workshops that I’m conducting on 10/27, 11/3 and 12/14/2008. You can find the post here. For info about other workshops, book signings and events, visit the workshop page here.