theprintspace publishes ICC profiles for every paper they offer, so you can soft-proof your files in Photoshop or Lightroom before sending to print and see exactly how the image will render on each substrate.
What soft proofing does
Soft proofing simulates the print on screen using the paper's profile. You see how blacks deepen, how colours shift, and how contrast changes on textured matte papers vs glossy ones — all before you commit to a print run.
How to use the profiles
- Download the paper-specific ICC profiles from theprintspace's resources page.
- Install them in your OS's profile directory (Photoshop and Lightroom pick them up automatically).
- In Photoshop: View → Proof Setup → Custom → choose the relevant profile.
- Set Rendering Intent to Perceptual (best for art reproduction).
- Enable Black Point Compensation for accurate shadow tonality.
When to soft proof
- Whenever you switch between papers — each behaves differently.
- For tonally tricky work (high-contrast B&W, deep shadows, subtle tonal gradients).
- Before launching a drop where colour fidelity is critical.
Important for B&W
Don't apply the colour profiles when working in black & white — they'll introduce colour casts. See About black and white printing for the correct B&W workflow.