In Part 1 of this blog, I explained how to use the Calibrite CCStudio to calibrate your monitor—an essential first step in achieving colour accuracy across your photographic workflow. But monitor calibration is only half the story. To ensure that your prints match what you see on screen, you also need to create custom print profiles (sometimes referred to as paper profiles).

Even the best commercial paper and printer combinations can produce unexpected results if you're relying on generic or manufacturer-supplied profiles. By profiling your own printer, ink, and paper combinations (using equipment such as the CCStudio I use), you'll gain far greater control over colour, contrast, and tonal accuracy—resulting in prints that truly reflect your creative vision.

Printer profiles are the 'hidden gem' of colour accuracy for your prints and often overlooked (usually for the sake of purchasing a cheaper calibrator). But what does a print profile actually do?

In short, within software such as Adobe Lightroom, a print profile 'simulates' how your image will look in a print before you even print it, saving you time, money and frustration! Using the correct softproofing techniques, you can then make adjustments to the image so that it matches the original image (as seen on your monitor) as closely as possible.

In this second part, I’ll walk you through the process of creating bespoke printer profiles using Calibrite CCStudio, ensuring a consistent, colour-managed workflow from screen to final print.

Step 1: Prepare a Test Print

• Select “Printer Calibration” in the CCStudio software.
• Choose your printer, paper type, and resolution settings.

Step 2: Print the Calibration Target

• The software will generate a page of coloured patches.
• Print it using the correct paper settings found in your printer driver (within the software).

Step 3: Let the Print Dry

• Allow the test print to dry for at least 10–15 minutes (longer if using fine art or matte paper).

Step 4: Scan the test print

• Place the dried target on a clean, flat surface.
• Using the CCStudio device, scan each row of patches slowly and evenly.
• The software provides clear guidance on this.

Step 5: Create and Save ICC Print Profile

• Once all rows are scanned, the software creates a custom ICC profile for that specific paper, ink, and printer combination.
• Saving the profile will add it to the correct (ColorSync) folder automatically. 

Top Tips:

• You will need to create separate profiles for each paper type you use for printing.
• When saving the profile, be sure it includes the model of the printer, paper brand and type, calibrator name and your initials. This way, you know as much about the profile as possible and that it's bespoke and not generic.
• You will need to restart Lightroom (or whatever photo software you use) in order for it to see the profile initially.

Final Thoughts

Getting your colours right isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about delivering a consistent, professional standard that reflects the quality of your work. By using the correct software, you’ll ensure what you see is what you get, from screen to print. For anyone serious about photography, this device is a small investment with a huge impact.

My Picture2Print and Macro2Print workshops dive deeper into colour management in an easy to understand way, including hands-on profiling with the CCStudio. But for those working from home, I hope this guide helps you take control of your colour workflow with confidence.