Digital BW, The Print

> So in the case of using Paul's method, since his separation curves are
> designed around EAM, you might not use a custom gamma space when using that
> paper/ink combo, but you'd use the custom gamma space as a transfer function
> when using different papers? How is it different from a transfer function
> BTW?

What is "EAM?"  The customized RGB Space is just a way to avoid the use of a
grayscale dot area adjustment in the printer space dropdown (which would
convert the RGB file back to grayscale on the way to the printer). IE it is
*very* similar to a CMYK transfer function for a CMYK file or a grayscale
transfer function for a grayscale file.   I've never actually had a need to
use a transfer function in Photoshop with an RGB file but when I bring up
the dialog while in RGB it gives me CMYK channel tweaks (which would imply
to me that it intends to convert the file to CMYK rather than leave it as
RGB?).   At any rate, if you *can* use a transfer function without going all
CMYK in the process then that would be similar to using a custom RGB space
provided you use the "all the same" selection and don't differentially
change the color balance.
> 
> <snip>

> Any tips on setting up an RGB softproof for Quad printing that takes Paul
> Roark's separation curves into account? I don't know how familiar you are
> with his workflow, but it's "complicated" by the fact that he is devoting
> the yellow ink purely to distributing, or holding back, cool tone across all
> but the darkest 10% or so of the print (that about right Paul?).
> 
> I could e- you a set of his curves if you're ever interested in looking at
> them.
> 
> Todd

An RGB softproof simply requires a custom RGB profile.  Works with any
grayscale workflow that passes through RGB.  I haven't used Paul's workflow
but what I've read about it I'd say it would be no different (from the
softproof perspective that is).  By all means please email me the curves so
I can take a look!  Unfortunately,  so far the only profiling package I've
tried that will make a good RGB profile for quads is Profiler Pro and a
spectro.  But Tyler just emailed me telling me he made one with Profiler RGB
(scanner based) and it worked quite well so there is a cheaper alternative.
Tyler also points out you really don't need to set the View / Proof Setup
settings in Photoshop 6 -- if you *assign*  your quadtone RGB profile to
your file, PS 6 automatically uses it to softproof the file.  But never,
never *convert* to an RGB quadtone profile, they are only for seeing, not
converting - or rather try converting to one once and you will never do it
again :-)

Dan