- Create one or more adjustment layers (refer to Chapter 16, “The Importance
of Layers and Masks”) to fix the print’s problems (see Figure 20.10). The most
useful layer tools are Layer, New Adjustment Layer, Hue/Saturation and
Layer, New Adjustment Layer, Levels (see Figure 20.11). Use the adjustment
layer(s) to modify the monitor image in the direction opposite from that of
the print. For example, if the print is too green, use the adjustment layer to
make the monitor less green (more magenta). If the print’s midtones are too
dark, make the monitor’s midtones lighter. Make another print.
CHAPTER 20 COLOR THEORY 301FIGURE 20.11
Layers palette
with a Levels
adjustment
layer.
- Compare the new print to the image on the monitor with the adjustment
layer temporarily turned off. The secret of this shortcut is to print with the
adjustment layer turned on and compare the print to the monitor with the
monitor’s adjustment layer(s) temporarily turned off. - Keep modifying the adjustment layer(s) until you have a print (see Figure
20.12) that is close to the monitor’s image (with the adjustment layer turned
off). Save each adjustment layer as a settings file: Click the Save button in the
layers dialog box, name your settings file (put the name of the printer in the
file’s name), and save it on a personal diskette for later reuse.
Whenever you print a new image on the same printer, edit the image until it looks
correct on the monitor. Then create an adjustment layer (or layers) and load your
saved settings from your diskette into the adjustment layer. When you print, the set-
tings in the adjustment layer(s) will approximately compensate for the difference
between your printer and your monitor and make the print approximately match
the monitor with the layer(s) turned off. You’ll probably need to do another print to
get perfect colors and tones.
This shortcut has limitations. It’s not as convenient as a real color management sys-
tem. If you do not use the same monitor each time it will be less effective. Also, dif-
ferent types of paper produce different colors, so you might need to create and save
different settings for different papers.