Test Printing

In this section, you will produce a test print to check for alignment. If anything needs adjusting, go back and correct it, then do another test print.

Requirements

For the steps shown below, you will need:

  • Computer running Photoshop (we are using Adobe Creative Suite CS4 for Windows 10)
  • New Photoshop file that you just created
  • Printer that you will use to create the front covers (we use an Epson Workforce WF-7210)
  • Regular paper, at least one sheet but maybe more if adjustments are needed
  • Strong light source easily reachable in a darkened room, for checking the test printout

Steps

A. Create a Test Printout

  1. Gather at least one piece of regular paper.
  2. From the File menu, select Print…. Make sure your printer is selected for the Printer. Click the Page Setup… button.
  3. Check the Borderless checkbox, then click the Settings… button next to it. Click Retain Size then click OK.
  4. For the Paper Source, select where you will be feeding the paper from. We typically use either Paper Cassette 1 or Rear Paper Feed Slot.
  5. Select a Paper Type. For the test printout, it doesn’t matter. We usually select Premium Photo Paper Semi-Gloss or anything that looks like it will save ink.
  6. Set the Quality to Standard for the test printout to save ink.
  7. At the top of the dialog, select the More Options tab. Under Color Correction, select Custom, then click the Advanced… button next to it. Click Color Controls, then for Color Mode, select Adobe RGB and click OK.
  8. Click OK once more to return to the main Print Dialog.
  9. Make sure that Center Image is checked.
  10. Make sure that Scale to Fit Media is unchecked.
  11. Make sure you have paper loaded in the printer, then click Print. Click Print on the next dialog that appears and wait for the page to print. If necessary, confirm on the printer itself what paper to use.
  12. Turn the paper over and feed it top edge first into the printer. We like to use either Paper Cassette 1 or Rear Paper Feed Slot for this printer. Pay attention to which side should be facing up in order to print on the blank side.
  13. Hide the info layer group.
  14. Show the images layer group.
  15. Print on the second side using the same printer settings, which should be automatically remembered.
  16. Save the file again to keep the printer settings.

B. Examine the Test Printout

  1. Darken the room as much as possible, except turn on an easy-to-reach light source.
  2. Hold the test printout up to the light.
  3. Check the trim marks to make sure they align between the front and back sides.
  4. Check that the information on one side matches the correct images on the other side.
  5. Make sure that the tops are facing the same way for both sides.