Soft Proofing for PermaJet Papers: How to Match Your Screen to Your Prints

Soft proofing ensures that your prints match what you see on your screen, and using PermaJet ICC profiles makes this process even more accurate. This guide walks you through the steps of setting up soft proofing in Photoshop and Lightroom, adjusting colours for accurate printing, and selecting the best PermaJet paper for your needs. Whether you’re printing vibrant glossy images, archival fine art prints, or rich monochrome work, PermaJet has a paper to match. Plus, with my exclusive discount code (CHRISH10), you can save 10% on your PermaJet paper orders and take your prints to the next level!

Ever printed a photo only to find it looks nothing like what you saw on your screen? Maybe the colours are off, the contrast looks wrong, or the details just don’t pop the way they did digitally. This is where soft proofing comes in—a technique that helps photographers get predictable and accurate results when printing.

If you’re using PermaJet papers (which I highly recommend!), soft proofing can ensure your final print matches your vision. It’s all about colour accuracy, contrast management, and making informed tweaks before you hit the print button. Plus, as a PermaJet affiliate, I can offer you a 10% discount on all PermaJet paper when you use the code CHRISH10 at checkout.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of using PermaJet ICC profiles to ensure your prints look just as good as they do on your screen. I’ll also include links to some of the best PermaJet papers you can use for different types of prints.

What is Soft Proofing and Why Does It Matter?

Soft proofing is the process of simulating how your print will look on paper using your computer screen. It allows you to preview colour shifts, brightness adjustments, and tonal changes before printing.

Monitors display images using RGB light, while printers use CMYK inks. This difference means that some colours visible on your screen might not be accurately reproduced in print. Soft proofing helps you spot these differences in advance so you can make necessary corrections and avoid wasting ink and paper.

Setting Up Soft Proofing for PermaJet Papers

Before you begin, you’ll need:

A calibrated monitor (this is crucial!)
PermaJet’s ICC profiles (more on that below)
Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom
A high-quality PermaJet paper of your choice

Step 1: Download and Install PermaJet ICC Profiles

PermaJet provides custom ICC profiles for their papers to help you achieve accurate colour management. You can download them for free from PermaJet’s ICC Profile Page.

Once downloaded, install them by placing the ICC profile files into the correct location on your computer:

Windows: C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\color
Mac: Macintosh HD > Library > ColorSync > Profiles

Restart Photoshop or Lightroom to ensure they recognize the newly installed profiles.

Step 2: Calibrate Your Monitor

If your screen isn’t calibrated, soft proofing won’t be accurate. Using a hardware calibration tool like the X-Rite i1 Display Pro or Datacolor SpyderX ensures your monitor displays colours correctly. A properly calibrated monitor will help you make accurate adjustments before printing.

Step 3: Enable Soft Proofing in Photoshop

Open your image in Adobe Photoshop.
Go to View > Proof Setup > Custom.
In the Device to Simulate dropdown, select the PermaJet ICC profile for your paper.
Enable Simulate Paper Color and Simulate Black Ink to get a more accurate preview.
Click OK.

You will now see a preview of how your image will look when printed on the selected PermaJet paper.

Step 4: Adjust Your Image for Printing

Once soft proofing is enabled, you may notice subtle changes in your image. If certain colours look dull or washed out, you can make non-destructive edits to fix them.

Use the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer to tweak colours that may not print accurately.
Increase or decrease the contrast slightly if needed.
Adjust brightness to compensate for print darkness.
If needed, use the Selective Color adjustment to fine-tune specific tones.

Step 5: Print Using the Correct ICC Profile

When you’re ready to print:

Go to File > Print in Photoshop.
Under Color Handling, select Photoshop Manages Colors.
Choose the same PermaJet ICC profile you used in soft proofing.
Set your printer to No Color Management (this prevents double profiling issues).
Click Print and enjoy your perfectly matched PermaJet print!

Best PermaJet Papers for Different Types of Prints

For High-Impact, Glossy Prints

PermaJet Ultra Pearl 295 – Best for portraits, weddings, and travel photography.
PermaJet Gloss 271 – Perfect for commercial prints and vibrant landscapes.
PermaJet Titanium Lustre 280 – Adds a unique metallic finish for fashion and automotive shots.

For Fine Art and Archival Prints

PermaJet Portrait Rag 285 – Ideal for black and white photography.
PermaJet Museum Heritage 310 – A beautiful textured paper for gallery-quality prints.
PermaJet Matt Plus 240 – Best for soft, muted tones in fine art photography.

For Rich Baryta Finishes

PermaJet FB Gold Silk 315 – Perfect for deep blacks and smooth tonal transitions.
PermaJet FB Matt 285 – A great choice for monochrome photography with a fine art feel.

For Portfolios and Special Projects

PermaJet Double Sided Portfolio 230 – Ideal for self-published books and professional folios.
PermaJet Photo Art Silk 290 – Great for high-end fashion and portrait work.

Exclusive PermaJet Discount Code

If you want to try any of these fantastic PermaJet papers, don’t forget to use my affiliate discount code CHRISH10 to get 10% off your order at checkout.

SEO Keywords:

Soft proofing for PermaJet papers
How to match screen to print
Using PermaJet ICC profiles
Colour management for photographers
Best paper for fine art photography
PermaJet printing tips
ICC profiles for photography prints
How to calibrate monitor for printing
Choosing the right PermaJet paper
High-quality inkjet printing papers

Christopher James Hall.

Award-Winning Photographer | Founder of CJHF | Photography Mentor

Christopher James Hall is an award-winning wedding, portrait, and headshot photographer, as well as the founder of CJHF, a foundation dedicated to raising awareness of social challenges through photography.

His journey into photography began in 2015 after overcoming two years of homelessness. Through passion and determination, he built a successful career in wedding, portrait, and headshot photography, capturing meaningful moments and helping individuals present their best selves. His expertise and creative vision have earned him recognition in the industry.

Alongside his professional photography, Christopher runs CJHF, using photography to shed light on social issues and empower marginalised individuals. His exhibitions and projects give a platform to unheard voices, using real stories and imagery to inspire change.

Christopher is also a dedicated photography mentor, offering guidance and training to help photographers refine their skills and build their own careers.

Click the button below to find out more.

Still looking? Here’s more stories

The Instant vs. The Eternal: Is Photography a Fleeting Glimpse or an Immortal Record?

Photography exists in a fascinating paradox, capturing fleeting moments while also serving as a timeless record of history. In the digital age, millions of images are taken daily, often discarded as quickly as they are created. Yet, iconic photographs continue to shape public memory and personal legacies, preserving emotions and historical events for future generations. While technology allows for easier storage and restoration, digital impermanence raises concerns about long-term accessibility. Photography, therefore, balances between the transient and the eternal, offering both instant gratification and lasting storytelling. Whether through casual snapshots or carefully curated prints, photography remains a powerful bridge between the past, present, and future.

Selling Your Prints? Why PermaJet Fine Art Papers Can Increase Your Value

Selling fine art prints requires more than just a great image—it demands museum-quality paper that enhances value and longevity. PermaJet Fine Art Papers provide exceptional detail, archival quality, and premium textures that allow photographers and artists to sell high-end prints. This guide explores how choosing the right paper increases print value, how to price your limited editions, and why investing in PermaJet papers is essential for professional print sales. Plus, use the discount code CHRISH10 for 10% off all PermaJet paper purchases.

Essendon Country Club wedding photographer

How Much Does a Wedding Cost in 2025? A Breakdown of the Budget

Weddings in 2025 are more expensive than ever, with average costs ranging between £25,000 and £35,000, largely due to rising prices for venues, catering, and personalised experiences. However, couples are finding smart ways to manage their budgets by prioritising what matters most, cutting guest lists, opting for off-peak dates, and embracing DIY and rental options. While photography, entertainment, and decor remain key expenses, alternative venues and second-hand attire are helping many couples save. Ultimately, a dream wedding doesn’t have to break the bank—it’s all about smart spending and focusing on the moments that truly count!

The Responsibility of the Photographer: Documentarian or Storyteller?

The debate between documentary and storytelling photography continues to shape the industry, raising ethical questions about objectivity and influence. While some argue that photographers should strive for neutrality, others believe every image inherently carries a perspective. This article explores how technology, social media, and AI have impacted photography’s role in shaping narratives, referencing key philosophical discussions from thinkers like Susan Sontag and John Berger. By balancing ethical responsibility with creative expression, photographers can ensure their work remains both powerful and accountable in the evolving landscape of visual storytelling.

Choosing the Right PermaJet Paper for Your Prints: A Complete Guide

Selecting the right PermaJet paper is essential to ensuring that your prints achieve the best possible quality, whether you’re producing fine art, high-contrast landscapes, or professional portfolios. PermaJet offers a wide range of paper options, from glossy and lustre finishes for vibrant images to fine art and baryta papers for a sophisticated look. This guide explores the different types of PermaJet paper and helps photographers choose the right one based on their specific needs. Plus, with my exclusive 10% discount code (CHRISH10), photographers can save on their purchases while experimenting with PermaJet’s high-quality papers.

The Role of Photographers in a World of Infinite Images

In a world flooded with images, professional photographers are far from obsolete—they’re evolving. While smartphones and AI-powered cameras make photography more accessible, they can’t replace the expertise, storytelling ability, and artistic vision of a trained photographer. Businesses still need high-quality visuals, social media has created new opportunities for professionals, and print photography is making a comeback. The key to staying relevant is adaptation: embracing new technology, specialising in a niche, leveraging social media, and even teaching aspiring photographers. Photography isn’t dying; it’s transforming, and those who embrace change will continue to thrive in this ever-expanding visual landscape.