CP5225dn and color matching

[EvilLair]

We just setup a new CP5225dn at the office and its great except for the color quality/matching. I am printing from 10.6 with the latest drivers from Apple, using Indesign CS5 and printing a cmyk print project.

I cannot get the output to come even remotely close to the proper colors, it looks as if the printer is converting the cmyk source into a wacky disney rgb space with blown out colors before printing. The blacks are way too heavy and losing detail in anything even a little dark, dark reds are blown out to neon red, browns are amped up to neon red and yellow, subtle purples are neon cyan.

I've tried every variation of color and printer setup in both the application and printer setup dialogs in Indesign, and have about 20 printouts here that all look exactly the same no matter what setting I change. I tried the old 2009 drivers from the HP site and the newer 2011 drivers from the apple site, I've also tried on my personal laptop with OS 10.7, everything produces the exact same wrong colors. It's like the printer has some kind of color override or is just plain ignoring my color preferences.

[MBJustice]

Are you selecting Application Manages Colors?  It sounds like it is on Printer Manages Color. 

[EvilLair]

Yes I've been using that as well as trying the 'printer handle the colors' setting.

I've also tried changing the printer profile between my custom cmyk profile, the printer profile and the generic cmyk profile with the same results.

In the printer setup dialog I have color matching set to Colorsync and automatic profile, which the "hp color LaserJet CMYK v402" profile is set. In photoshop you can't even change that setting, but regardless it also prints badly.

[MBJustice]

OK, let me setup Photoshop and get a worlflow put together.  It'll take me a few minutes.  Hang tight.

[MBJustice]

I am in CS4, so it may vary a tad depending on what version you are using. 

I am also using a LJ 1415, since I don't have a 5225 to test with.

So I open the document, go to File/Page Setup and make sure it is formatted for my 1415.

Once I am done manipulating the doc and ready to print, I click File/Print

I make sure the Printer is correct, and that Photoshop Manages Colors is selected under Color Handling

I select the Color Profile I am using.  ( I don't have one setup for the 1415, co I use HP Color Laserjet CMYK)  You choose whichever you want.

I hit print, If there's an option in your printer dialog box for Managing colors, either turn it off or select application managed.

Than I print. 

If it is stil off, have you checked to see if self tests are printed correctly or not?

[EvilLair]

It is a little different under Photoshop CS5 but that is essentially how I am setting it up.

Color Management set to Proof (using my custom cmyk profile)

Color Handling set to Photoshop Manages Colors

Printer Profile set to hp color LaserJet CMYK v402

Proof Setup set to Working CMYK

Simulate Black Ink checked on

In the Printer Settings (formerly Page Setup) Color Matching is set to colorsync.

Using those settings the output is a lot darker than Indesign, but the colors themselves are slightly closer to what they should be.

[MBJustice]

It sounds like you are doing everything correctly.  Let me ping a Commercial LJ person to come over and take a look.  They should more familiar with the particulars of this printer. 

[AuntieEm]

Here is a solution that might be of help:

Colors Not Matching on Mac 10.6

However, if this document does not help, then you might need to call the Commerical Customer Care Center for additional help.

[EvilLair]

I tried the suggestion from that link to let the printer handle color management in the print options, and then trying several combinations of settings in the Indesign print setup but all end with the same results. Any variation that happens just makes it much darker or just dark.

Thanks for all the help though.

[AuntieEm]

Then I would suggest you call the Commercial Customer Care center for additional help with this issue.