iPhoto not printing colors true

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iPhoto not printing colors true

When I print photos from iPhoto on a HP Photosmart 7960 the colors don't print true to the colors shown in iPhoto. I'm not sure if it's a setting or software problem, or whether if the printer hasn't been used for a few weeks, it may just be that the printing heads need to be cleaned? Any advice?

Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Dec 8, 2008 4:45 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 8, 2008 5:03 PM in response to bozlogjam

hey there,

I have the same problem with the same printer...everything looks too green... have you figured anything out yet..?? 've cleaned and calibrated...let me know

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

215,736 points

Dec 8, 2008 7:25 PM in response to bozlogjam

Are you shooting RAW format and what is the color profile for those photos?

TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. Just put the application in the Dock and click on it whenever you want to backup the dB file. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

Note: There's now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

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Answer 3

bozlogjam Author

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Dec 8, 2008 8:39 PM in response to Old Toad

not shooting in RAW format and it's a ColorSync color profile.

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Answer 4

bozlogjam Author

Level 1

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Dec 8, 2008 8:41 PM in response to Orlando Ferreyra

it seems like the more likely reason is that the ink cartridges need replacing. I suspect that it may have something to do with not having used the printer for a few weeks, but I'm guessing.

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Answer 5

Dec 9, 2008 10:36 AM in response to bozlogjam

I printed 2 of the same pics...one in Photoshop one in iphoto...The Photoshop printed true colors and iphoto pic came out blueish green ( all pics do ) I trashed prefs ..still doing the same thing... its not the ink cartridges.. I rebuilt iphoto database as suggested... still the same... its something between iphoto 08' and my hp photosmart 7960 printer...any suggestions..?

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Answer 6

Old Toad

Level 10

215,736 points

Dec 9, 2008 11:10 AM in response to bozlogjam

You've done all the usual fixes that I would have recommended first. Is it the sRGB profile?

I don't have an HP inkjet printer so don't know what the various options are in their printer driver. Have you tried either not using ColorSync to control the print color or set it to control the color. On my Canon and Epson I get better results not using the ColorSync option under the Color Management section of the print window.

I also have Photoshop and usually use it for printing unless I want to use one of the frames that iPhoto offers.

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Answer 7

bozlogjam Author

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Dec 11, 2008 3:31 PM in response to Old Toad

Okay so I've resolved the problem by doing the following:

1. On the printer, hit the 'menu' button and select 'tools'.
2. Select 'print test page' and have a look at the test page once printed. I found that I was missing one of the colours, which is why I was getting the wrong colours printing. It identified which colour, and therefore which of the three cartridges needed replacing.
3. Just to be sure that it's the cartridge and not dirty heads, again under the 'tools' option on the printer (not your Mac), run 'clean cartridges' and the printer does it's thing to clean the printer heads, i.e. you don't need to take the cartridges out and clean with earbuds, etc., the machine takes care of this (the user manual doesn't explain this).
4. Another test is also under the 'tools' option in the printer's menu, i.e. run 'calibrate cartridges'. This produces a printed page which again should help identify where the problem is. If that produces nothing but green ticks, then you're ready to go.

My problem was one of the cartridges was faulty, once identifying which one and replacing it that was the end of the problem. In retrospect, perhaps an obvious clue was that reds were printing green which would indicate a colour missing in the mix.

I would suggest starting with running the above diagnostics to see if the problem is on the printer end or the computer settings/driver end.

Another hunch is that if you don't use the printer regularly, it's likely that when you try to again that you may have problems with the cartridges. This has happened a couple of times. To avoid this, I try to print a photo at least once a week to keep the wheels oiled. If you are going away, I would suggest taking the cartridges out and storing them in the plastic cartridge holders.

That's all she wrote.

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