Trying to get correct color printing on Pixma Pro-100 with a Mac

[KarlKrueger]

I've used this printer for over 8 years with a Dell computer but now I recently moved to a Macbook Pro. With AI help getting set up on the Mac I was initially able to get correct colors to print on the Pro-100. Then this behavior changed and the colors are a bit off. I'm using PhotoShop to print the photos.

I attached screenshots of the two views I encounter when doing this. Should I have PS manage the colors? I downloaded the Pro-100 printer drivers and can see the ink levels but there are other controls I remember with Windows that I'm not seeing here like the type of Canon paper I'm using or independently altering intensity of different colors.

[DerrickL]

We have a number of members here who use a MAC and they have a good understanding of how to set up many Pixmas connected to a MAC, someone (more experienced than me) will help you I am sure. I do have this bit of info, 

Steps for Correct Color Printing from Canon Pixma Pro-100 on Mac

1. Use the Right ICC Profile

• Ensure you select the appropriate ICC profile in your application software. This profile should match the type of paper you are using for printing.

2. Printer Driver Settings

• Open the printer driver setup window.
• In the Color Matching section, select ColorSync.
• Choose the correct media type from the Quality & Media pane. This setting is crucial for achieving accurate color reproduction.

3. Monitor Calibration

• Calibrate your monitor to ensure it displays colors accurately. This step is essential for matching what you see on screen with the printed output.
• Recommended settings for calibration:
  • Color temperature: D50 (5000K)
  • Brightness: 120 cd/m²
  • Gamma: 2.2

4. Avoid Double Color Management

• When printing from applications like Photoshop or Lightroom, let the application manage color. This will prevent the printer driver from applying its own color management, which can lead to discrepancies.
• If using InDesign, ensure that it does not manage color simultaneously with the printer driver.

5. Print Quality Settings

• Set the print quality to High for better results.
• Choose the correct paper type in the printer settings to match the media you are using.

[jrhoffman75 · Accepted solution]

---

@KarlKrueger wrote:

I've used this printer for over 8 years with a Dell computer but now I recently moved to a Macbook Pro. With AI help getting set up on the Mac I was initially able to get correct colors to print on the Pro-100. Then this behavior changed and the colors are a bit off. I'm using PhotoShop to print the photos.

I attached screenshots of the two views I encounter when doing this. Should I have PS manage the colors? I downloaded the Pro-100 printer drivers and can see the ink levels but there are other controls I remember with Windows that I'm not seeing here like the type of Canon paper I'm using or independently altering intensity of different colors.

---

The screenshot shows that you are using the AirPrint driver. It is an Apple driver with limited capability.

You need to go to the support page for the printer and download the Canon printer driver (labeled Recommended):

After you download it double-click to install.

When installed go to System Settings->Printers & Scanners.

Select Add printers and wait for the Canon IJ Series driver to appear; could take several minutes.

Select that one and after that is set up delete the AirPrint version of the printer.

That should resolve your issue. If not come back.

[KarlKrueger]

 I went to Pro-100 printer downloads page but did not find the same file you pointed out. I realized this after I downloaded the file in my attached screen capture, tried to install it, got as far as entering my password to allow installation and then it replied the installation failed and I should contact the software providers. 

Your file seems to be more recent. Can you give the exact URL where I can find it? It did not show up when I searched for Pro-100 drivers. I sure didn't expect to run into this.

[KarlKrueger]

I just found out why the installation failed. The search page I was on had an extra query to select the correct Mac OS. With the previous post the default was set to the wrong one. Once I selected the correct one it brought up the file you pointed out. I successively installed and removed the air print driver but when I go back to PS and check Print Settings > Printer Info it still shows the Air Print driver even though I deleted it. In System Settings it shows the correct diver version I just installed. So what's happening here? I've noticed Mac seems pretty quirky with like this almost like it thinks it knows better than you.

[jrhoffman75]

I don’t use Ps. I use LrC. Maybe try quitting Ps and restart your Mac. 
I will go and run Ps and se if I can figure out what is happening. 

[KarlKrueger]

OK rebooting the Mac did the trick. I have to get used to the Mac as they sure handle differently than Windows.

I always printed my pictures in PS even though I have LrC. So now I tried both. First I have the normal printing option controls back that I remember from my older Dell laptop. But it looks like you can't get borderless 4x6 prints in LrC although the controls indicate it should allow it. Even the preview of the print never expands out to fill 4x6. I guess it's behavior like this that I always resorted to printing in PS. If I have solutions to correct this behavior I might switch but until then PS is working better for me.

Thank you John for your help. This has finally gotten me back to where I expected to be with a Mac.