QTR-Quadtone RIP

. linuxgangster


> I finally got my ut14 inkset in yesterday for my brand new 1400.

> I have a few questions about the workflow.

In general, see page 2 of http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/UT14.pdf

The approach I used in that PDF starts easy with the Epson driver.  All you
need are the settings that are shown on the screen grab at the above page.

Then you can work up from there as you learn the medium and inkset options. 

> I have some images that I have converted to black and white, 
> and a few scans. 

>Do I apply the photoshop curves to these, 

No. Ignore those curves until you're making nice prints with a simpler
workflow.  Start with what is provided and then start thinking of the
options that you have available -- for either the Epson driver or QTR rip.

> or are these curves only for Color pics? 

Neither UT14, I, nor QTR (as far as I know) currently supports a color
workflow.  (Although I have a few that I think would be interesting.)

> How would I go about using this inkset using the QuadTone RIP?

Read the tutorial in the QTR download.

> I see no option for QT14 on the 1400.

The workflow that I think is easiest for people to start with is the Epson
driver.  Beyond this I have provided some profiles for a workflow using ICCs
that are made with QTR's "Create ICC RGB."  I have not made QTR rip curves. 

> Let say I want to print on a Matte paper using photoshop 

OK.

> on color photo.

I assume you mean, 'starting with a color photo'.

> Do I first convert it to black and white,

Yes.  There are all sorts of ways to do this.  Again, start simple.

I like to work with high bit depth Tiff files in gray working space Gray
Gamma 2.2 (set in PS's Edit>Color settings).  

> then apply the curve I want (downloaded from paul's site).

I don't recommend you deal with curves at first.  See what a print looks
like with just the driver and a grayscale file.  

The curves I've provided are best used inside (embedded in) ICCs.  This
gives you a linearization step on top that makes those curves useable with
most matte papers.  (You can try them on RGB versions of the grayscale, but
be sure to go through a grayscale step first.)  I have a PDF on embedding
these curves in ICCs.  See 
http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Embedding_Photoshop_Curves_in_ICCs.pdf  

> What settings do I use in photoshop CS3 on the print side 
>(color managed by photoshop, by the printer?).

If no profile is used, then use "No Color Management" in the Print Preview.

If you're using an ICC, then "Let Photoshop Determine Colors" is used.  The
ICC is loaded in the Printer Profile box.  Use Perceptual with Black Point
compensation checked.

> Then inside the print driver, do I select ICM with no color adjustments?

For matte paper, see page 2 of http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/UT14.pdf
There is a screen grab there.  

Different profiles might use different settings.  Whether it's Color
Controls 2.2 or No Color management is usually indicated at the end of the
profile name.


> The pdf is good, but has alot of gaps in my opinion...
> that or I am totally missing something.


It has a lot of gaps.  I move on quickly.  I sometimes add to these ...
sometimes not.  I'm not using the inkset currently.

I think UT14 is a good inkset with lots of potential and flexibility.  You
have lots of flexibility to customize your work and use different types of
paper without the need to change any inks.  You can easily vary tones, set
up different types of split tones, use glossy or matte paper, and even add
additional ink toners.  I think this type of inkset is a good way to explore
the medium.

Enjoy the journey.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com