7. Selecting incorrect paper profiles
When you print using PPL, it is vital to tell the printer what paper you are using by selecting the correct paper in the paper menu in PPL and also the paper menu on the printer. For colour accuracy, depending on the printer and the paper manufacturer, you may be able to specify an ICC profile or an AM1X file.
An ICC (International Color Consortium) profile contains information that allows a printer to reproduce accurate colours on a specific type of paper. "If you don't select the correct ICC profile, the image can come out looking completely different," says Jay. "You could calibrate your screen and do everything else right but if you select the wrong profile, your image is not going to print the way you want it to."
If you're using non Canon branded papers on a Canon pro printer, Frederic also highlights the value of using AM1X custom media config files, where available. "These specify the black ink type, ICC profile and extra information about the ideal ink density, the optimal height of the print head, the drying time and any constraints regarding borderless printing, for particular media," he explains.
If you're using a Canon pro printer that supports them, AM1X files can be downloaded from the paper manufacturer's website and installed using Canon's free Media Configuration Tool. This tool may be installed when you initially install your printer driver software. Otherwise, visit Canon's printer support page, select your printer, then click Software. Find Media Configuration Tool in the list, and install following the instructions. Your printer User Guide will contain a section explaining how to use the software.