Printer calibration matches printed images to computer screen images. Manual calibration is needed for large photos or detailed graphics. Printers and displays produce different images due to ink overlap, color mixing, and paper type. Printer software can adjust settings and perform calibration tests. Some printers have automatic calibration but require correct paper and ink cartridges. Calibrate computer display before printer. Search online for calibration methods and samples.
Printer calibration is the process of matching the printed image to the image shown on a computer screen. Only those who print large photographs or detailed graphics are likely to need to use manual calibration on a regular basis, as others may use a printer’s automatic calibration settings. Think of calibrating a printer as achieving WYSISYG (what you see is what you get) printing.
A computer display and a printer don’t always produce the same image for several reasons. First, dots of printing ink overlap slightly on paper, while pixels on displays do not overlap. Second, printers usually create slightly darker images than computer displays. Third, printers mix four pigments to create colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black), while displays contain pixels of three colors (red, green, and blue). Finally, different types of paper will affect the final printed image, while displays have no such issues.
With printer calibration, the software that controls the printer, also called a printer driver, can adjust various printer settings to fit your display. For example, some printer drivers will print a test page containing several images, also called a calibration sheet, which can be compared with the display to reveal any changes that need to be made. Sometimes, the printer calibration test can be found with a software suite included with the printer, rather than the printer driver. With some printers, the calibration test is called a diagnostic page or self-test page. Make sure you have downloaded the latest versions of the printer software before starting a calibration.
Some new printers are able to make small corrections automatically. For example, some printers perform calibration techniques during a printhead cleaning procedure. To allow for proper printer calibration in automatic mode, it is important to have the correct paper in the printer, as recommended by the manufacturer. An empty ink cartridge will likely cause calibration errors in auto mode. Finally, if the printer continually produces error messages and poor results during the self-calibration sequence, try resetting the printer, as instructed by the manufacturer.
For those interested in calibrating a printer to create great, accurate photos, don’t attempt printer calibration until you’ve calibrated your computer display as well. Be sure to avoid reflections on the display and limit room lighting as much as possible when attempting to calibrate the display. Search the Internet for “monitor calibration image”, “display calibration image” and “printer calibration image” to find methods and samples for testing manually.
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