Tip
A printer profile represents not only the output device, but also a specific
combination of settings, ink, and paper. Changing any of those components can
change the color gamut being simulated by the onscreen proof, so choose a profile
that’s as close as possible to the final printing conditions.2. From the Device To Simulate menu, choose a profile that represents the final output device,
such as that for the printer you’ll use to print the image. If you don’t have a specific printer,
use the profile Working CMYK–U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2, the current default.
3. If you’ve chosen a different profile, make sure Preserve Numbers is not selected.The Preserve Numbers option simulates how colors will appear if they’re not converted to the
output device color space. This option may be named Preserve CMYK Numbers when you select
a CMYK output profile.
4. Make sure Relative Colorimetric is selected for the Rendering Intent.A rendering intent determines how the color is converted from one color space to another.
Relative Colorimetric preserves color relationships without sacrificing color accuracy, and is the
standard rendering intent for printing in North America and Europe.
5. Select Simulate Black Ink if it’s available for the profile you chose. Then deselect it and
select Simulate Paper Color; notice that selecting this option automatically selects Simulate
Black Ink.Tip
When the Customize Proof Condition dialog box isn’t open, you can view the document
with or without the current proof settings by selecting or deselecting the View > Proof
Colors command.Notice that the image appears to lose contrast. Paper Color simulates the dingy white of real
paper, according to the proof profile. Black Ink simulates the dark gray that most printers
actually produce, instead of solid black. Not all profiles support these options.
Don’t be alarmed by the loss of contrast and saturation that you may see when you turn on the
Display Options. While the image might look worse, the soft-proofing simulation is just being
honest about how the image will actually print; paper and ink simply cannot reproduce white and
colors as brightly as a monitor. Choosing higher-quality paper stock and inks can help a printed
image match the screen more closely.
6. Toggle the Preview option to see the difference between the image as it is displayed on
screen and as it will print, based on the profile you selected. Then click OK.