Preparing images for printing
To prepare your finished file for printing , please be sure it is set up as follows:
RGB
8 bit
TIFF No compression, layers or extra channels
100% size @ 300 dpi
ICC profile If you set up your files to be directly printed onto the Chromira, you will receive the 2nd print price. This does not apply to the digital package units since they are already priced taking this into consideration.
Note: If your have borders, please put a one pixel stroke around your print in a contrasting color. We use this trick to tell the images apart when trimming them off the roll.
Example:
>Select
>All
>Edit
>Stroke
In the Stroke box:
Width:1 px
Color: With white borders, choose black
Location: Center
Blending: Normal, Opacity: 100%
Always add borders after you have applied the ICC profiles or the borders will have a color cast. Naming your file: Please do not use the characters \ / < > : * ? " | in your file name. Also, include the number of copies of each image(unit) you wish to have printed in your file name, in parentheses, at either the beginning or end of the name. Example: image(2).tif or (2)image.tif. This would mean you want two copies of the file "image". The Frontier will not except four character file extensions. So please send your files as .tif and not .tiff.
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Downloading instructions
The ICC Profiles are available as links in self extracting compressed format at the link in this sentence. There is a separate profile for each type of paper surface, glossy or matte. They are in either "zipped" Winzip or "stuffed" Stuffit format. Winzip is generally associated with PCs and Stuffit with Mac. Both should work in either, but if you have trouble with one type, you may want to try the other. You will need extraction software to extract the files after download. You may get free evaluation copies using using these links:
Winzip
Stuffit
If you have trouble downloading these profiles we can send them to you in the mail on CD for a small fee. Call us at 575-5553 or email the Digital Department. The profiles are also available for pick up at The Lab for free.
ICC Profiles These ICC profiles were made exclusively for The Lab by Mike Strickler of MSP Graphic Services from custom RGB targets with GretagMacbeth Profilemaker 5 and a GretagMacbeth Spectroscan spectrophotometer. They were designed to exploit the full color gamut of our ZBE Chromira printer and print media while providing accurate reproduction of neutrals, smooth color gradations and extended tonal range for improved shadow and highlight detail. As with all ICC profiles, successful outcomes require a properly adjusted and profiled monitor and strict adherence to the procedures outlined on our ICC Profiling page. top Installing the profile(s)
Windows 2000, XP:
Save the profiles to the Windows/System32/Spool/drivers/Color folder.
At first the profile ICC may be grayed out, appearing that it has not been installed. After copying the profile there, right click on it. Select "Install profile" in the menu that appears. The profile should then no longer be grayed out. Mac
Mac OS 9.x:
Save the profiles to the System Folder/ColorSync Profiles folder. Mac OS X:
Save the profiles to the Users/CurrentUser/ Library/ColorSync folder top
Using the profile:
Open a file you want to print in Photoshop. Soft Proofing:
Once you have your file open you must view your file with the Chromira profile so that you will see the color balance as it will print before the file has been converted. You will convert the file when you are finished with any color adjustments you choose to perform. To soft proof your file, go to:
>View
>Proof Setup
>Custom
Select the Chromira ICC profile that you installed. More  |  |
After picking the profile, the dialog box should look like this:
Click OK.
top Now your file is set to look like the Chromira profile that we have supplied you. Your proof setup file name should show up in the title bar of your file. If your monitor is calibrated as well, your file should look the way it will be printed on our Chromira. Converting your file to the ICC Profile:
After you are done working on your file you are ready to convert to our ICC profile. We recommend that you save an unconverted copy of your file. Converting the file changes the pixel information! To convert your file go to:
>Image
>Mode
>Convert to Profile Photoshop CS2 and CS3:
>Edit >Convert to Profile More |  |
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You should then see this dialog box:  top
Under "Destination Space" the Chromira ICC profile that you installed from us should be listed. Click OK. Under Conversion Options: check the boxes as shown. About rendering intent: This is a method for remapping colors to fit into the range the printer and paper combination can achieve. the only two choices here for photographers are: 1. Relative Colormetric with Black Point compensation: This method preserves as many colors as possible, clipping out-of-gamut colors to their nearest possible hue. This is usually the best choice for matching brilliant colors in the original as well as overall accuracy of color. 2. Perceptual (with Black Point compensation turned off): This occasionally produces smoother, more balanced-looking results when there are out-of-gamut colors but less accurate color overall. Paper white/ink black simulation: This is intended to show the color of the printing paper as well as the lower contrast of non-glossy stocks. It can be useful, but often its effect takes some getting used to. It's generally best to leave the boxes unchecked. If you have the Preview box checked, you can see the results of all your choices in this dialog box in real time.
If you soft proofed your file you should see little or no change in the file's appearance. Your profile should show in the bottom of the Document Window (Mac) or the Application Window (Windows) if you have the Document Profile option chosen there. If it is showing something like Document Size, click on the little triangle to the right and choose "Document Profile". To prepare your finished file for printing , please be sure it is set up as follows:
RGB
8 bit
TIFF No compression, layers or extra channels
100% size @ 300 dpi
ICC profile
Note: If your have borders, please put a one pixel stroke around your print in a contrasting color. We use this trick to tell the images apart when trimming them off the roll. Example: Select>All>, Edit>Stroke. In the Stroke box: Width:1 px, Color: With white borders, choose black, Location: Center, Blending: Normal, Opacity: 100%. Always add borders after you have applied the ICC profiles or the borders will have a color cast. Save a copy of your file using the save as dialog box.
Congratulations! You have just set up a profiled image to be printed at The Lab! top Monitor Calibration
To see if your monitor matches our Chromira Printer output we suggest you have a test print done. Use a print that best represents the type of work you usually do. Use the test print to compare to your file as seen on your monitor. Then make any adjustments necessary using calibration software or the Adobe Gamma Utility in Photoshop. For more information on monitor calibration check the help contents in your Photoshop program. Inexpensive ($250 or less) calibration packages, such as GretagMacbeth EyeOne Display, make this calibration simple and do an even better job than the software-only approach as described above. It is a good idea to make your computer desktop a neutral gray so your eyes aren't distracted and fooled by other colors. Try to keep ambient light from striking the monitor face. Use a monitor hood or direct the light away from the monitor if possible. Some people actually work in a darkened room for this reason. Confused?
If you are confused or don't know how to convert or save files in the manner we have suggested, check our Tech Tips section for assistance. If you still can't figure something out call us at 575-5553 and ask for the Digital Department or email us at frontier@sonic.net. top
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