Note: references to keyboard commands will use just the PC version, if you are on a Mac use the Command key instead of the Control Key. Also the screen captures are for the windows versions, the settings on the mac will have the same names and setting, just a different look

The first step in using profiles is setting up your color managment settings. In Elements 4 this is under "Edit:Color Settings" (Control+Shift+K)

Select "Allow me to Choose" (the bottom option).

Now let's open the first profile target file and get started.

Because you selected "Allow me to Choose" you will get the box on the right. You need to select "Leave as is (don't color manage)" If you select either of the two other options it will change the colors of the target and render the profile useless.

After opening the first target file, you will need to pull up the print screen. It's in the "File" menu, or you can just hit Control+P.

1. Select "Show More Options"
2. Make sure the size is set to "Actual Size" (ignore the numbers)
3. The source space should say "Untagged RGB" and the Printer Profile should be "Same as Source" if the source space is anything but "Untagged RGB" - you did the earlier steps wrong, quit the program and do it again.
4. Next hit "Print..."

Selecting the right paper type

Use the "Density" files to help you decide which paper type to select if you are not sure which to use. If you know what setting to use, skip ahead and ignore the rest of this text. If you do need to use them, stop where you are, close out of the Printer configuration and download the Density file. There are two versions, one for Epson and one for HP, Canon and other printers (the Epson is 360ppi and the Other is 300ppi) - be sure you use the right one for your printer and do not change the resolution or size. When you print out the file using the instructions below (you print it just like you would one of the target files, without any color adjustment) you should be able to see all of the cross-hairs in the black area and some separation between the #5 and #10 in the greyscale ramp. If you cannot see both, you may want to try a different paper setting. You should be able to get 3 or 4 prints on a page so you can try a few different settings to get it right.

Once you have decided on the paper setting that you want, go back to the profile targets and print them (once again, following the instructions below, same as you did on the density page)

This happens to be the driver for the Epson 2200 printer, yours will look a little different but mostly it's all the same for the desktop printers.

1. Click the Advanced button, it may come up and warn you about going to the advanced window but just disregard it (you'll probably want to click the "don't show this again" box).

1. Select the Media type you want to use for this profile. For most matte, watercolor and canvases, the Enhanced Matte setting works best. Luster papers will use a luster one, glossy uses glossy etc... The most important thing is to make sure you select the same setting when creating and when using the profile.
2. Next select the Print Quality. The decision is your as to what resolution to use. Many people use 1440, some use 2880. Also you should decide if you want to use High Speed or not. Be sure to turn off Finest Detail and Edge Smoothing.
3. Select the paper size
4. Select "ICM"
5. Select "Off (No Color Management)"
6. now save your settings with a name that's easy to remember. Personally I use things like "Watercolor Custom" and "Luster Custom". Saving the settings allows you to not have to worry about remembering to select all the same settings when you go to use the profile. Also if you are creating multiple profiles for the same general type of paper (watercolor papers for instance) you can again use the saved settings.
7. DO NOT USE BORDERLESS this will change the size of the print by a few percent but make the patches unreadable. If you use borderless your prints will be rejected and you'll have to print and mail them again.

Before we go anywhere, head over to the "Maintenance" tab and

1. Do a nozzle check (if any of the heads are dirty do a cleaning cycle) Some printers like the R1800 and 4800 have an automatic nozzle check option that will do cleanings for you if there is a clog, cool!
2. Do a print head alignment. In general you should be diong alignments every month or more. If the heads are not aligned properly you will have noise in smooth areas of your prints. This happens because the printer thinks it's laying down dots between eachother creating a nice, smooth tone - instead it's putting them on top of eachother so you have dark areas with overlapping dots surrounded by empty areas with the paper showing through (this is bad). Most printers that have an auto nozzle check also will do an auto head alignment, cool again!