Print with color management

Last updated on Oct 4, 2026

Learn how to use Adobe Photoshop on desktop or printer profiles to control color conversion during printing.

Color management ensures your printed images match your creative intent by controlling how colors convert from your document to your printer.

Two printing workflows are available: Photoshop-managed color conversion using custom profiles for your specific printer, and ink and paper combination or printer-managed conversion, where the driver handles color translation. If you have custom ICC profiles for your output device, Photoshop-managed color typically produces more accurate results. If you lack custom profiles, printer-managed color lets the driver optimize output using its built-in profiles.

  • Calibrated monitor with an accurate monitor profile
  • Current printer driver installed
  • Custom ICC profile for your printer and paper (for Photoshop-managed workflow)
  • Understanding of your intended output device specifications

Print using Photoshop-managed colors

Photoshop handles all color conversion, producing the most accurate results for profiled output conditions.

Select File > Print.

In the Print dialog, expand the Color Management section on the right.

For Color Handling, choose Photoshop Manages Colors.

For Printer Profile, select the profile matching your output device and paper type. Profiles associated with the current printer appear at the top of the menu.

For Rendering Intent, choose how Photoshop converts out-of-gamut colors.

  • Perceptual for photographs
  • Relative Colorimetric for preserving more original colors
  • Saturation for business graphics
  • Absolute Colorimetric for proofing specific output conditions

Select Black Point Compensation to preserve shadow detail by simulating the full dynamic range of your output device.

Below the preview, select Match Print Colors to preview how colors will actually print. Optionally, select Gamut Warning to highlight out-of-gamut colors or Show Paper White to simulate the paper color in your preview.

Select Print Settings (Windows) or use the pop-up menu in the Print Settings dialog (macOS) to access your printer driver options.

In the printer driver dialog, turn off all color management options so the printer doesn't override your Photoshop profile settings. The location of these settings varies by printer manufacturer—consult your printer documentation if needed.

Select Print to output your document.

Note

The more accurately your profile describes your output device and printing conditions, the more accurately Photoshop can translate document colors to printed output.

Print using printer-managed colors

Your printer driver handles color conversion using its built-in color management.

Select File > Print.

In the Print dialog, expand the Color Management section on the right.

For Color Handling, choose Printer Manages Colors.

For Rendering Intent, specify how to convert colors to the destination color space. Many non-PostScript printer drivers ignore this setting and use Perceptual rendering by default. A description of each option appears in the description area at the bottom of the dialog.

Select Print Settings (Windows) or use the pop-up menu in the Print Settings dialog (macOS) to access your printer driver options.

In the printer driver dialog, enable color management options. The location and terminology vary by manufacturer. Look for settings like Color Management, ICM, or ColorSync. Refer to your printer documentation if these options aren't clear.

Select Print to output your document.

Tip

The Document Profile entry in the Color Management section shows which profile is embedded in your image, helping you understand the source color space before conversion.