Datacolor User to User Support Group.

I get clipped shadows
> on the monitor ( CS3 soft proof) and on the print. This manifests
> itself as jet black patches/blotches in the darkest areas of the print.

Hello!

Another good thing to check, is if you're using the right media setting to print your target.

The best media setting to start with when printing with canvas is "Watercolour Paper - 
Radiant White". It may look strange but it is a plain fact.

If you don't use the right media setting, then your printed target can be far from the ideal, 
causing some problem in the profile at the generation step. Of course, we're speaking of 
extreme case here. While it is very rare to get a bad profile with S3Print, I have seen 
situation similar to yours with canvas when the media setting was really wrong or canvas 
print quality was very bad (clogged) in the dark tones (usually due to a poor quality 
coating used on the canvas).

I would suggest that you print the S3Print quality check target et that you complete the 
media setting quality steps and be sure that you get a decent print. You may also have to 
play with ink density setting in the 9800's driver. When you will be sure that you're going 
to print the best possible target (not clogged in dark tones), then go with it, print it, let it 
dry completely (a good 2-4 hours). Use the 225 patches + grayscale target. Many canvas 
on the market doesn't print very well in dark tones. You should get a very decent profile 
with 225patches + gray, with S3Print and then if you want ultimate accuracy you can use 
729 patches + gray later.

I routinely created profiles for canvas with S3Print software and I get great results. As long 
as you print on a decent quality canvas and use the correct media setting/ink density, it 
will work.

Daniel Vézina
Numart Inc.
QC, Canada