color mangement on my T520 printer issues

[Ddesign]

I constantly am struggling to achieve accurate color management on my T520 printer. I am sending files from my iMac 27" computer. Printed files colors tend to be darker and not pop, blacks are not true black. I've updated print drivers, firmware and also updated my iMac. Files are sent using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. 

[Enduser1]

Does the software you are printing from allow the command "Print using profile"?   Every ink, paper and printer uses a specific profile but sadly not all software uses them.

[Ddesign]

Thanks for your reply. I resolved part of the issue. Apple print drivers will override HP and install the airprint driver. That was part of my problem. I had to install the driver from HP without airprint. This also allows me to override Colorsync now and allow the printer to handle color output. I've also calibrated my monitor already, but my colors are still printing darker than they should be. Also blacks are not yet printing dark black yet.

Any other thoughts out there?

[Enduser1]

You use the phrase " allow the printer to handle color output.". You need to use "application manages color"  .You must print from a printing application such as Lightroom, Photoshop or Qimage to see this option. . Some applications don't offer this choice, Paintshop pro. for example.

The application will then use a suitable profile,

Read this for how to do it: https://innovaart.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Printing-With-ICC-Profiles.pdf

[Ddesign]

I do print directly from Photoshop and Illustrator. I've read other sites on my issue and they seem to say to let the printer handle the color.  Thanks for the link.  I will read it and try it out!