Unlock Better Prints: A Deep Dive into Printer Profiling with the i1 iO
Using an i1iO spectrophotometer, Keith looks at what goes into colour profiles, how they are made and why the are so useful.
Ever wonder why your printed photos don't quite match what you see on your screen? In this video, Keith Cooper explores the world of custom printer profiling, showing you how to achieve professional-grade colour accuracy at home or in the studio.
We take a detailed look at the i1 iO automated scanning table—a versatile tool that allows for precise measurements on a variety of substrates, including thick materials like card and even ceramic tiles. Keith explains the "why" behind colour management, illustrating how profiles act as a translation dictionary between your digital image and your printer’s specific ink and paper combination.
What You’ll Learn:
Hardware vs. Software: An overview of the i1 iO system and i1Profiler software.
Substrate Secrets: Why you should always profile after applying coatings like varnish.
The RGB Myth: Understanding why photo printing is an RGB process, even if your printer uses CMYK inks.
Workflow Walkthrough: Watch the full process from printing a 900+ patch target to automated measurement.
Accuracy Tips: How patch counts, drying times, and background selection (opacity/fluorescence) impact your final results.
Rendering Intents: A breakdown of Perceptual vs. Relative Colorimetric intents and when to use each.
Whether you're using a desktop photo printer like the Canon PRO-200 or specialised industrial gear, mastering custom profiles is the key to consistent, beautiful art and photography prints.
Resources Mentioned:
Detailed i1iO review - includes all the scan modes and settings
https://www.northlight-images.co.uk/x...
ArgyllCMS Open Source Color Management: https://www.argyllcms.com
Free printer test images and media selection guides on the Northlight Images website.
Related videos: Why use profiles: • Why use printer profiles - why printer ICC...
Making high end profiles - i1Profiler and the i1iSis:
• Making printer ICC profiles - Creating pro...
Printing bright strong colours: • Printing photos - getting closer to bright...
00:00 – Introduction: What is printer profiling and why it matters.
00:40 – Profiling substrates: Measuring paper vs. thick materials (tiles, card).
00:58 – The importance of profiling after coatings (varnishing canvas).
01:20 – Overview of profiling hardware: i1 Isis vs. i1 iO.
02:15 – Software solutions: x-rite i1Profiler and paper manufacturer profiles.
03:19 – How color profiles work: Bridging the gap between images and printer capabilities.
03:53 – RGB vs. CMYK: Why most photo printers are actually RGB devices.
06:39 – Preparing the patch set: Saving TIFF files and print settings.
07:12 – Real-world example: Printing Epson Premium Luster on a Canon PRO-200.
08:04 – Drying time considerations for accurate profiling.
09:07 – Setting up the i1 iO: Hardware overview and power requirements.
10:33 – Using the electrostatic mat and aligning the robot arm.
11:47 – Automated scanning in action: Measuring over 900 color patches.
12:40 – The role of backgrounds: Background opacity and avoiding fluorescence.
15:41 – Profiling fabrics and translucent materials.
16:36 – Accuracy and patch count: How many patches do you really need?
18:18 – Budget-friendly profiling: A look at ArgyllCMS (open-source software).
20:25 – Using profiles: Understanding Rendering Intents (Relative Colorimetric vs. Perceptual).
23:03 – Media selection: Matching paper types to printer driver settings.
26:23 – Final steps: Saving measurement data and generating the ICC profile.
For a full categorised index of all my videos, see:
https://www.northlight-images.co.uk/k...
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