Where can I get ICC profiles for Canon printers and paper for soft proofing?
Asked 5/29/2014
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I want to soft proof in GIMP on Linux for a Canon printer using Canon glossy paper. I can choose the paper type in the print dialog, but I can’t find downloadable ICC profiles for the printer/paper combination. Where are these profiles typically obtained, and is there a better way to get accurate profiles for specific papers?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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The problem with ICC profiles for printers is that it depends greatly on the paper being used with the printer. Common paper types may have existing ICC profiles that you can use, however the best bet is to have one made for you. You can either use your own calibration unit or send samples out to have an ICC profile built for you.
Personally, on my Pixma Pro-1 I use a SpyderPRINT which works pretty well. I don't remember the specific services I saw for doing it by mail, but some quick searching found this one. I know there are others available as well, but I ended up going with the SpyderPRINT because I wanted to be able to update it over time and be able to work with different papers without having to wait for sending it in and paying for each paper profile independently. I also use a Spyder3 for my display calibration, so it was a natural choice for me. If you don't have screen calibration yet either, Spyder does make a studio option that includes both a Spyder4 and a SpyderPRINT at a slight discount.
One side note, getting a really good profile is a relatively time consuming process. You have to manually scan several hundred square for the best quality and you need to make sure to carefully position the device for each. In my opinion, the results are well worth it, but it is another thing to consider when comparing mail away services vs having your own calibration unit.
Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11392
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Printer ICC profiles are usually specific to the exact printer, ink, and paper combination, so there often isn’t one generic Canon glossy-paper profile that works best for everyone. While some common paper profiles may exist, the most accurate approach is to use a custom profile made for your own setup.
That can be done either by:
- creating profiles yourself with a printer calibration/profiling device, or
- printing target samples and sending them to a profiling service to build a custom ICC profile for that paper.
So if you can’t find an official downloadable profile, that’s not unusual. For reliable soft proofing, a custom profile is generally the better option, especially if you use different papers or want the profile to match your printer over time.
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