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Epson 9700 (2011 Model)

Purpose/Overview
Specifically for the 9700 in the IdeaLab: How to make high quality photographic prints using the Epson Stylus Pro 9700 with the paper that the IdeaLab stocks.

Tutorial

1. The IdeaLab stocks four types of paper, and they vary in price.  You need to choose one, and remember it, as we'll be coming back to the 'paper types again.  Please have a PEPS/IdeaLab staff person put the paper you wish to use into the printer.  Do not try to do it yourself.

  • Epson Premium Glossy (250) $9.90 per linear foot
  • Epson Enhanced Matte Paper $9.00 per linear foot
  • Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta (315gsm) $17.50 per linear foot
  • Hahnemühle Matte Fine Art (188gsm) $11.75 per linear foot

2. Open your image in Photoshop and make the necessary adjustments. Please be aware that Epson printers, print out darker than the image appears on-screen so you may want to over compensate a little to make up for this in the levels settings.

3. Adjust the image size.  Your print should be the size you want it to be when it's printed and be set to 240 DPI

4. Now you have to convert to profile.  This will turn your file into the correct color profile for the paper and printer that you're using.

3. Preparing for print – In Photoshop select "Edit" in the top menu and the scroll down and select "Convert to Profile..." Select the "Destination Space" P4880 PLPP260" (which stands for Premium Luster Photography Paper, 260 pertains to Epson's grading settings). If you would like a detailed list of what these ICC color profile codes translate to, you can download this spreadsheet "key" and assorted PDFs which explain the ideal settings for each.

The wise photographer always prints out test strips with different levels applied and ideally a color Profile Proof. You can use the Profile Proof image below. Remember keep all you test files separate from your master copies.

Profile Proof (click on the image to download)

4. The Print Dialog Box: there are several settings to be aware of in this box.
Printer: make sure that the Epson Stylus Pro 4880 is select.
Page orientation: make sure that your paper is set to be the right way up.
Scale to Fit Media: it is best not to resize your image in this dialog box, it is best to define the correct size in your Photoshop project.

Color Management: the "Document" radio button should already be selected because you defined the Profile in the earlier steps.Color Handling: "Photoshop Manages Color"
Printer profile: Reselect the printer profile again from this list, e.g: Pro4880 PLPP260
Rendering Intent: Perceptual

When you have verified that the settings above are correct click on the "Print Settings..." button (underneath "Copies:").


5. The print settings button opens the printer's settings as opposed to Photoshop's print settings. You can check each of these setting groups specifically by using the scroll menu (labelled "Layout" in the screenshot pictured below). The only setting in the scroll menu that you need to work with are: Layout, Color Matching and Printer Settings. Layout is important as it is here where you can define the precise paper size, this is crucial if you are working with non standard paper or a paper roll.


6. In the Color Matching controls make sure that they are set to use "ColorSync" this allows the printer to interact with the ICC profile defined in Photoshop.


7. The most important controls are the options for Printer Settings. In general you will only ever have to work with the Basic settings, however if you plan to use the Advanced B+W mode you may need to look at the advanced settings to make the appropriate color temperature tweaks.
Important Settings:
Page Setup: you defined these settings in the Layout window, but you do need to let the printer know whether you are using a paper roll or the Paper Tray.
Media Type: it is really important to pick the correct paper type other the printer may not print at all (or the results will be erratic). The settings shown below are correct for the "Premier Premium Photo, Micropore Luster 10.4 MiL" used in CAMS. If you are unsure of the correct settings, check the manufacturers website or the ICC spreadsheet which is linked to in this tutorial.
Print Mode: AccuPhoto HD (this is a personal preference)
Color Mode: Epson or Adobe the difference is not really perceivable it is worth comparing them though to come to your own conclusions.
Output Resolution: SuperPhoto 2880dpi this is specified by the manufacturers for the "Micropore Luster".

8. When you are finished click "Save" to store all of your settings. You will be sent back to the dialog shown in step 4, click print and you should have a beautiful print in a few minutes. Remember to allow luster a bit of time to dry, we have art handling gloves in the IdeaLab if you need to borrow some.

Other Resources

  • At the IdeaLab: Fiona MacNeill or Tucker MacNeill can help with printing. Please make a printing consultation appointment by sending an e-mail to: idealab@carleton.edu
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