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To get consistent and precise printing result from
your digital files, first of all, you have to adjust your monitor appropriately,
which means calibrating monitor and
setting gamma. There are many articles covering how to do this. The cheapest
way is using Adobe Gamma on Windows or Monitor Calibrator on Mac. Check this TechNote for how to use Adobe Gamma on Windows. Alternatively,
use a third-party software and measuring devices, which run about hundreds
to thousand dollars. One example Monaco Xrit here.
Second, to get the lab printer profile for the particular color printer at your
favorite Costco store from DryCreek Photo. Check how to use.
Third, edit your digital files using Photoshop and proof the prints under
View>Proof setup> custom > under Proof conditions Device to simulate, select specific Costco printer profile. Make additional adjustment if needed.
Generally I just change the curve and adjust black and white points to increase contrast and color saturation.
Convert to right printer profile (Edit>Convert to profile> for Destination Space, select Costco printer profile).
Set the right image size (for example, 8x10@300dpi, 2400x3000).
Add a
white border and black border by Image>Canvas size so that the final canvas size reaches the size
as listed below (for 8x10 print, to 2580x3226).
For Noritsu print cropping setup - use " Real Size" printing mode
Print Size (inch) Pixels (300dpi)
4x6 1200x1800
5x7 1500x2100
6x9 1800x2700
8x10 2400x3000
8x12 2400x3600
11x14 3300x4200
12x18 3600x5400
Apply proper output sharpening.
Change file into 8-bits/channel (Image>Mode>select 8-bits/channel
Save files as JPEG or TIFF files by unselecting ICC profile.
Finally, upload the files to the Costco Photo center by selecting specific store and the right printer. Choose "No
resize, No adjustment". In a few hours, you are ready to pick up your prints up to
12x18 for $2.99 + tax.
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