Luminous Landscape Forum

Raw & Post Processing, Printing => Digital Image Processing => Topic started by: tsjanik on September 22, 2007, 09:11:58 pm

Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: tsjanik on September 22, 2007, 09:11:58 pm
I am having difficulty getting centered prints using an Epson 4800, Windows XP and Photoshop CS3.  I had developed an efficient, automatic  printing workflow with PS CS.  I recently installed CS3; after adjusting to the new color management menus, I discovered that I cannot get a centered print.  I have done an internet search and found some workarounds for a 2200, but those are not applicable to a 4800.  The Adobe site has not been helpful; at least the solutions don't work for me.  I have resorted to saving a file, opening in CS and printing from there.  Any suggestions appreciated.
My limited experience with CS3 indicates much slower operation and use of considerably more RAM than with the same files in CS (big > 500 MB), has anyone else had a similar impression?
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Peter McLennan on September 24, 2007, 10:43:52 pm
Quote
I am having difficulty getting centered prints using an Epson 4800, Windows XP and Photoshop CS3. 
My limited experience with CS3 indicates much slower operation and use of considerably more RAM than with the same files in CS (big > 500 MB), has anyone else had a similar impression?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=141326\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

My experience mirrors yours exactly on both fronts.  I have no explanation why companies like Adobe and Epson cannot center a print properly.  In my experience, they just can't.

I purchased Qimage and no longer use Photoshop to print.  Qimage is a bit quirky to learn, but worth the investment in time and money. Qimage centers prints perfectly.

I can't comment on PSCS3's speed of operation compared to its predecessors, but PSCS3 seems to lack good memory management.  I've received memory errors from CS3 that I never saw in CS or CS2.  Stitching, for example frequently fails with memory errors reported.  I currently have 2GB, will soon have 4GB.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Ken Doo on September 24, 2007, 11:48:26 pm
There was a pretty extensive thread here following the release of CS3 including discussion of CS3's inability to "center" print, using the 4800/7800/9800 series of Epson professional printers.

The only satisfactory workaround I have found is Qimage.  (CS3 and Epson 9800).

Qimage is easy to figure out and use.  It is a worthwhile and nominal investment regardless of the "CS3 center-print" issue.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on October 05, 2007, 07:52:28 am
If you refer back to the earlier thread on this issue, thanks to Jeff Schewe's research into the problem we learned that this awkward behaviour is not a "bug" in CS3, but is the result of design decisions that Adobe made in light of the programming features of Windows Vista, and some other considerations.

I frankly still believe that under the circumstances Adobe should have designed a print module that would be configurable at least for the major types of configurations still on the market, which amongst several others would include all the 4800/7800/9800 printers working in an XP environment. There must be quite a few, and not everyone is rushing into Vista. This way the up-grade to CS3 would not have reduced previous functionality.

My workaround has been to keep CS2 installed and use it for printing. That way I don't need to buy any new software or worry about either centering or the quirky new definition of "default printer", and it allows my printing Action to continue functioning correctly as before.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on October 05, 2007, 10:20:22 am
Following Mark's suggestion, I have kept CS2 around for printing after installing CS3. I also have Qimage, QTR, and ImagePrint, so I almost never print directly from Photoshop anyway.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on October 05, 2007, 10:47:26 am
Quote
Following Mark's suggestion, I have kept CS2 around for printing after installing CS3. I also have Qimage, QTR, and ImagePrint, so I almost never print directly from Photoshop anyway.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144011\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Sounds to me like you're pretty thoroughly equipped to print photographs!  
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on October 05, 2007, 02:49:49 pm
Quote
Sounds to me like you're pretty thoroughly equipped to print photographs! 
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144019\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Sure, but I'm waiting to see when my 2200 will die so I'll have an excuse to get a 3800 (or 3880, or 3890, or ...)  
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on October 05, 2007, 02:54:08 pm
Quote
Sure, but I'm waiting to see when my 2200 will die so I'll have an excuse to get a 3800 (or 3880, or 3890, or ...)   
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144073\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Eric, why do we always need "excuses" to buy stuff? Aren't "reasons" good enough? I mean it's better than pure whimsy!
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Nick Rains on October 05, 2007, 04:29:18 pm
I use CS3 to print but my method of centering prints in a white surround does not depend on the software. I simply add white canvas to the image to make it the same size as the printer sheet size ie if I'm printing on A4 I add canvas to make the image 210x297mm.

When you print you get a message saying that parts of the image are outside the printable area but you can ignore this because those areas are white anyway.

Works fine for me, and you can even gang up 2 A4s on an A3 sheet and have each image centered in its own whitespace.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on October 05, 2007, 04:57:15 pm
Quote
I use CS3 to print but my method of centering prints in a white surround does not depend on the software. I simply add white canvas to the image to make it the same size as the printer sheet size ie if I'm printing on A4 I add canvas to make the image 210x297mm.

When you print you get a message saying that parts of the image are outside the printable area but you can ignore this because those areas are white anyway.

Works fine for me, and you can even gang up 2 A4s on an A3 sheet and have each image centered in its own whitespace.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144087\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Nick,

Good thing it is working properly for you, but from what you describe and given the nature of this issue it NEED not necessarily. What version of the Epson Driver are you using in which printer and what is your Operating System? Those are the variables that determine whether you would have trouble or not even using your method.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Brian Gilkes on October 05, 2007, 06:05:51 pm
I print out of CS (use CS3 + other apps. to edit- different machine) using OSX 10.3.9 to Epson 9800.
This combo NEVER centres. I just measure offset and compensate in Print with Preview.
Depending on printer ie roll,  borderless, sheet, etc variance is between 5.4mm and 3.18mm.
At least it's consistently wrong from one print to the next, providing nothing is changed..
Cheers,
Brian
www.pharoseditions.com.au
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Nick Rains on October 06, 2007, 04:55:31 pm
Quote
Nick,

Good thing it is working properly for you, but from what you describe and given the nature of this issue it NEED not necessarily. What version of the Epson Driver are you using in which printer and what is your Operating System? Those are the variables that determine whether you would have trouble or not even using your method.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144090\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I'm on XPsp2 and a ESP3800. Driver V5.51.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on October 06, 2007, 05:05:10 pm
OK, from reports of others, it does work for the 3800, but I know forst-hand it does not the 4800.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Nick Rains on October 06, 2007, 05:12:45 pm
Quote
OK, from reports of others, it does work for the 3800, but I know forst-hand it does not the 4800.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144285\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

The only real glitch I have had along these line is that occasionally I get the printed area offset about 50% forward and left as it come out of the printer. I'm left with just a part of the printed area on the sheet which is really annoying.

No idea why this happens and I've never managed to get it to do it predictably.

Anyone hear of this, or seen it?

Otherwise the 3800 is an excellent printer. It replaced my 4000 when the circuit board fused (spider poo can you believe). Cost of repairs was the same as new 3800 and I didn't really want a 4800 due to the ink swap issue. Doing 17x34 inch prints is fiddly but do-able now I've got no roll-feed, but I can live with that.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on October 06, 2007, 05:43:47 pm
Quote
It replaced my 4000 when the circuit board fused (spider poo can you believe). Cost of repairs was the same as new 3800 and I didn't really want a 4800 due to the ink swap issue.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144287\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Ya mean Epson wouldn't honour the warrantee for spider poo? It's a warning folks ......
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: 01af on October 09, 2007, 08:45:39 am
Regarding printing on Epson Stylus Pro 3800 from Adobe Photoshop CS3 under Windows XP SP2 (Epson printer driver version 6.50).

Prints are perfectly centered---except when printing borderless and having selected "Original Data" (i. e. auto-enlargement off) in the borderless options.

-- Olaf
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Brian Gilkes on October 09, 2007, 10:51:41 am
OK, some printers centre better than others, QImage or a RIP may solve problems where they exist. I have another hassle. Today , on my Epson 9800 I watched a 1m high sheet of paper move 1.5 mm to the left and then the right of the vertical guide as the print went through. This was after the setup refusing an adjustment of 0.2 mm for a job requiring high precision (it accepted 0.4mm)
I'm considering a 11880, but there is no mention in the literature/leaks etc. of any improvements in tracking or precision in positioning.
All revues on new products tend to be less than critical of mechanical performance. Perhaps this is why we have put up with machines with precision far short of industry standards.
I'm sure it's wonderful to be able to print Barbie Pink, but obtaining positioning precision easy with a   200 year old etching press seems out of gamut.
Am I operating on another planet or do you all accept this?
Sorry if I come across a bit agro , but I worked a 20 hour day yesterday trying to sort this one out, and I'm up to 18 today.
Cheers
Brian,
www.pharoseditions.com.au
PS. I think I've figured out  way to modify the machine with bits of cardboard and sticky tape, Obviously beyond the geniuses at Epson.,
PPS. Why is it that these forums never have responses to problems from Epson, HP or Canon?
It's good enough for Harman, Pixel Genius, Adobe and others (sincere thanks), but equipment manufacturers seem to distance themselves from any criticism of their products.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: dmccombs on October 09, 2007, 01:19:48 pm
Olaf,

    I have the same problem, usng the same software you mentioned.

    Has anyone found a way to print an 11x14 image on 11x14" paper, without loosing some of the image?

    After spending a gazzilion $$$ on CS3, we shouldn't have to invest in a seperate printing package, and add to our flowflow.

Darrell


Quote
Regarding printing on Epson Stylus Pro 3800 from Adobe Photoshop CS3 under Windows XP SP2 (Epson printer driver version 6.50).

Prints are perfectly centered---except when printing borderless and having selected "Original Data" (i. e. auto-enlargement off) in the borderless options.

-- Olaf
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=144804\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: sesshin on October 10, 2007, 02:09:29 am
I can attest to having the same problem with CS3 and the 7800. I've fidgeted around forever with the print settings, trying to measure the offset and re-center it that way, but it never seemed to stay reliably straight.

I've basically just settled on printing on a larger piece of paper than I need and using a faint cut line and then cutting it down after the fact. Its an extra steps in the process and you do waste paper, but I would rather do that than sell someone a print that looks wonky when they stick it in a frame.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: gerry s on October 10, 2007, 03:50:52 am
Quote from Nick... "The only real glitch I have had along these line is that occasionally I get the printed area offset about 50% forward and left as it come out of the printer. I'm left with just a part of the printed area on the sheet which is really annoying."

Ive had the 3800 for 2 months and its been fine but it started doing the same thing a few days ago. Fortunately it shows up in print preview and after cancelling print and starting again a few times it seems to right itself. Anybody any ideas on a fix?
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: dmccombs on October 11, 2007, 05:07:35 pm
It seems like this happens on a variety of Epson printers, all of which worked fine with CS/CS2.

Is this happening with XP and Vista, or just Vista.

I guess I am trying to figure out weather the problem is with CS3 or Vista?

BTW, I have the 3800, Vista, CS3.  I didnt have the problem when running the 3800/XP/CS2 setup.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on October 11, 2007, 05:28:17 pm
It happens with XP.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Schewe on October 11, 2007, 05:51:56 pm
If you want to offer feedback to Adobe on the upcoming Photoshop CS3 update to address printing issues, see:Having Problem Printing for Photoshop CS3? (http://photoshopnews.com/2007/10/11/having-problem-printing-from-photoshop-cs3/)

Adobe is looking for people who wish to test the upcoming update...
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: dmccombs on October 11, 2007, 07:13:32 pm
Quote
It happens with XP.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=145394\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

OK, so people see the issue with various OS and printers.  The common piece is CS3.  

Schewe mentioned Adobe is aware of the issues, so that's good.  I'm sure Adobe will address them ASAP.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: luong on October 12, 2007, 01:51:36 am
If you have standard print sizes, then you can just measure the output with a ruler, and then compensate for the poor centering by playing with the canvas size and the position settings in the print box.  That's the only solution I have found, but it's still preferable to have to use another piece of software.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on October 12, 2007, 07:42:10 am
Quote
If you have standard print sizes, then you can just measure the output with a ruler, and then compensate for the poor centering by playing with the canvas size and the position settings in the print box.  That's the only solution I have found, but it's still preferable to have to use another piece of software.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=145462\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I size my prints to suit the subject matter - nothing "standard", and no reason to have to "play" with anything to center an image on a piece of paper. Adobe has understood that message and I am VERY pleased to see that they have developed solutions they are readying to test.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: tsjanik on November 16, 2007, 10:13:19 am
FYI:

Adobe update to CS3 (Windows) includes the following statement:

• Images no longer print with odd-sized margins on various Epson printers, or print smaller and off-centered.
 

I hope it works.

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=3775 (http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=3775)
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on November 16, 2007, 10:54:07 am
Quote
FYI:

Adobe update to CS3 (Windows) includes the following statement:

• Images no longer print with odd-sized margins on various Epson printers, or print smaller and off-centered.
 

I hope it works.

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=3775 (http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=3775)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=153327\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Yes it works.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: tsjanik on November 21, 2007, 09:27:11 pm
Quote
Yes it works.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=153336\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Mark:

Yes it works – sometimes.  My limited experience (approximately ten prints) indicates some serious problems:

Three times, when selecting “print” in CS 3, the program has told me I need to have a printer installed.

Twice, when selecting a profile for soft proof, the program informed me “insufficient RAM”; 1.5 GB was being used, with 1.75 unused.  On one occasion, a fatal error occurred.

An attempt to use “user defined” size, in this case 17x25 in, resulted in a print not centered and an inability to use landscape mode.

I find myself still resorting to CS to print reliably.

Have you encountered any of these problems?
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on November 21, 2007, 09:57:36 pm
Quote
Mark:

Yes it works – sometimes.  My limited experience (approximately ten prints) indicates some serious problems:

Three times, when selecting “print” in CS 3, the program has told me I need to have a printer installed.

Twice, when selecting a profile for soft proof, the program informed me “insufficient RAM”; 1.5 GB was being used, with 1.75 unused.  On one occasion, a fatal error occurred.

An attempt to use “user defined” size, in this case 17x25 in, resulted in a print not centered and an inability to use landscape mode.

I find myself still resorting to CS to print reliably.

Have you encountered any of these problems?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=154824\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

No, haven't encountered any of them.

When you installed the Patcher Application, did you follow their instructions about first deleting your printer and your Preferences and then re-instating them after the install? If you did not follow these instructions you may have a corrupted installation. In this case you should uninstall Photoshop, delete the printer, re-install Photoshop CS3, re-install the Patcher Application and re-instate the printer. Before you do any of this, save-out your custom settings, preferences, keyboard shortcuts and actions to your desktop, and note the exact folders where they should be re-introduced within the Program Folder.

Are you running a Mac or a PC? If PC you should not have centering problems with this Patcher. On a Mac I believe it should work too, but I haven't tested it on a Mac. I know it works for PC. What model printer is it? Did you define the custom size in the printer driver Paper tab? Do you have "Centered" checked in both the printer driver (if it provides for this) and the Photoshop Print Window?

Selecting a soft-proof should be no problem at all, as it has nothing to do with the Print Module. That function, as far as I know, was not affected by the 10.0.1 patch. This all makes me think you have a corrupted installation and all these problems should go away with a proper re-install.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: tsjanik on November 22, 2007, 07:10:44 am
Mark:

Thanks for the prompt reply.  I will try a reinstall today and, in hindsight, a corrupted installation should have been my first suspicion.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on November 22, 2007, 10:58:47 am
Quote
Mark:

Thanks for the prompt reply.  I will try a reinstall today and, in hindsight, a corrupted installation should have been my first suspicion.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=154925\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

TS, one other thought that occurred to me just this morning: when you created your custom print dimensions in the driver, (I'm assuming Epson here) did you then SAVE those settings as a new Preset? If you do not do this, your isettings would be ignored and that could be part of the issue.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: tsjanik on November 22, 2007, 02:42:43 pm
Quote
TS, one other thought that occurred to me just this morning: when you created your custom print dimensions in the driver, (I'm assuming Epson here) did you then SAVE those settings as a new Preset? If you do not do this, your isettings would be ignored and that could be part of the issue.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=154979\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Mark:

I thank you again for your afterthought.  It is indeed necessary to save the settings.  Now, since you're on a roll, can I ask a question about the stock market......?

Tom
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on November 22, 2007, 03:00:22 pm
Quote
Mark:

I thank you again for your afterthought.  It is indeed necessary to save the settings.  Now, since you're on a roll, can I ask a question about the stock market......?

Tom
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=155032\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Sure you can, but the answer won't be any better than anyone elses' including the professional market-watchers, whose predictions get turned upside-down routinely.  I remember last May the "market sentiment" (great term, that) was that the Toronto Stock Exchange Index would hit 15,000 before the year end.  Well, it has since declined from a peak of 14,600 in June to about 13,300 now, yet the financial media don't revert to these guys and asks them how they could have been so wrong - even as to the direction. Heaven forbid anyone being held to their crystal-ball gazing. It's a bit sobering when you think that anyone who acted seriously on that advice and plunked say 115K into the TSX last June will have by today lost the equivalent of a Canon 1DsIII and a good L lens. Not to speak of the blood-bath on the currency markets for holders of US dollar assets. OK, this could go on and on - I'm sure that question was at least half in jest, eh?  
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: tsjanik on November 22, 2007, 03:14:59 pm
Quote
Not to speak of the blood-bath on the currency markets for holders of US dollar assets. [a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=155035\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
That would be me; I used to enjoy going to Canada.  Now it's your turn to visit the US.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on November 22, 2007, 03:46:18 pm
Quote
That would be me; I used to enjoy going to Canada.  Now it's your turn to visit the US.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=155038\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Well, now that you mention it, this is happening in droves. Our commercial distribution systems are adjusting to the currency fluctuations ever so slowly - varies from product to product - so people are crossing the border to shop like you wouldn't believe - or maybe you would. Some of the price differences seem to make the long line-ups at the border worthwhile to some folks. Final analysis, back in 2002 anyone visiting here from the US could buy over CAD 1.50 for a USD, now they get barely 1.00 if that much. Makes a huge difference to the cost of a trip, doesn't it, and what used to be stratospheric prices for Canadians in US hotels, restaurants - and not to forget - our favorite photographic retail outlets - now seem much more reasonable. Hard to say how long this will last.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: KeithR on November 23, 2007, 09:58:18 pm
Quote from: MarkDS,Nov 21 2007, 08:57 PM
No, haven't encountered any of them.

When you installed the Patcher Application, did you follow their instructions about first deleting your printer and your Preferences and then re-instating them after the install?

Mark,
May I ask where you delete the printer and Preferences from? I think I know about the printer(through the devise manager?), but am drawing a blank on Preferences. I'm sure it's simple.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: Mark D Segal on November 23, 2007, 10:11:53 pm
- Delete your printer via the OS Print Control Panel (Win) or  
Printer Setup (Mac).
- Re-add your printer (same location).
- Install profiles for the printer and papers you’re going to use.
- Delete your Photoshop Preferences (On Photoshop launch, for Mac: CMD/OPT/SHIFT, for Windows: CTRL/ALT/SHIFT

Hope that helps.
Title: Centered prints: PSCS3 and Epson
Post by: KeithR on November 23, 2007, 10:47:31 pm
Quote
- Delete your printer via the OS Print Control Panel (Win) or 
Printer Setup (Mac).
- Re-add your printer (same location).
- Install profiles for the printer and papers you’re going to use.
- Delete your Photoshop Preferences (On Photoshop launch, for Mac: CMD/OPT/SHIFT, for Windows: CTRL/ALT/SHIFT

Hope that helps.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=155384\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Thank you!
But I'm still at a loss as to "Delete your printer via the OS Print Control Panel
                                       - Re-add your printer (same location).
                                       - Install profiles for the printer and papers"
I understand about right clicking and then selecting delete, but how do you "re add the printer"? I've had to go into the devise manager to uninstall and reinstall the printer but not the control panel.