IPhoto books are often too dark or too light.

I've ordered numerous iPhoto books over the past year. When I receive them , I find that the
exposure quality is all over the map. I recently ordered 3 of the exact same book. All 3 arrived
the same day. One was over-exposed, one perfect, and one was under-exposed. I just
ordered one more of the same book. The white's are grey. Not subtle, but GREY. What can I do?
I want to order 20 of the book I'm referring to, but not if they look like the last one.
Also, I'd like a credit for the last book, and am happy to return it so you can see what I'm speaking about.
I color-balanced my monitor, and haven't changed it. I do check it on occasion.
I have a MacBook Pro w/ OSX 10.4.11, and iPhoto version '08, 7.1.5.
Thank you.

I don't believe it has anything to do with your monitor's calibration. Especially since the 3 book order was all over the place. That indicates a printing problem. You can report defective books to Apple at http://www.apple.com/support/photoservices/returns/. They have been very responsive in correcting printing problems.
I'd also indicate that you also want to order 20 more and if they can assure that the books will be consistent and correct. Since it's such a big operation I don't know what special QC they can provide for you.
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. Just put the application in the Dock and click on it whenever you want to backup the dB file. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
Note: There's now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

Similar Messages

IMovie to iDVD--Video too dark, sound too loud--Help!

I created three iMovie projects for my son's swim team, then made a DVD using iDVD. It was fine when viewed in iDVD's preview, but when burned to the DVD-R the video was too dark and the sound was way too loud. This is footage taken on a Sony digital camcorder (DCR-TRV11).
I did the iDVD project by starting from scratch from within iDVD, then dragging the iMovie pieces and still images into the iDVD project. The iMovie pieces were prepared by using Share to make them into "full quality" .dv movies.
When I play the finished DVD on my iMac, there are no unusual problems with the video or audio. It looks and sounds like it did when played from the digital camcirder. But when played on both of my standalone DVD players + TVs, the video is too dark and the audio is much too loud.
Any idea why this is, and to fix it? I don't find a way to reduce the audio volume in iMovie. Maybe there is a workaround using the Relative Volume feature, but all my clips have a similar sound level. Any help will be appreciated.
--Eric
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.3)

when burned to the DVD-R the video was too dark
They is a VERY slight darkening during the MPG-2 compression process (see my pages Digital Video Color Bars Test at http://homepage.mac.com/profpixel/color_bars/colorbars.htm and iMovie HD and iDVD 5 Gray Patch Test at http://homepage.mac.com/profpixel/gray_patches/graypatches.htm )
I suspect what you are seening is a major difference in brightness/contrast between your computer monitior and your TV set (and in fact you admit this: "When I play the finished DVD on my iMac, there are no unusual problems with the video or audio. It looks and sounds like it did when played from the digital camcirder. But when played on both of my standalone DVD players + TVs, the video is too dark and the audio is much too loud.") so you aren't seeing an iDVD problem.

IPhoto books too light and/or inconsistent???

Hello, Has anyone figured out if the general consensus is that the iphoto books are printing light? An order of 30 medium softcover came out light and also inconsistent from book to book. The hardcover seemed not too light and looked better.
What are others experience, as I would like to try a fix and make all the photos slightly darker and perhaps a bit more saturated....
Any thoughts??
THANKS!

I too have had this problem. I have ordered about 10 large books in the past and the photos were vivid and really looked pretty good. But the ones I received about 2 weeks ago were grainy and the images were really washed out. Funny thing is that I also ordered some single prints of the same pics used in the album and they are gorgeous and clear (very saturated!!). I realize the printing process is different with the books vs. the prints, but this was a tremendous difference. I did email support and they refunded me my $90.00 within 3 days of my email with no questions asked.
I have been reading a lot of these posts with a lot of suggestions for "tweaking" preferences, etc., but I'm convinced that there is a problem with the Apple printing or the software upgrades because I have not changed my equipment - the only thing that has changed is the version of iphoto I'm using. There is no other explanation for having 10 books look great and the newest ones looking so bad! I really like having the books and I hope Apple will resolve this soon.
So as to your question about making the photos slightly darker.........well, you still run the risk of receiving another bad book.
Powerbook Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Will Blurb correct images that are too light or too dark to print nicely?

I have two calibrated monitors and am submitting a book to Blurb. One monitor is brighter than the other--, that the images look fine on one and too dark on the other. I could changed the brightness, but how do I knwo which is correct for Blurb?what does Blurb see and do they correct images that are all too dark or too light?

Blurb does not correct anything in the uploaded pictures. This is stated clearly on their website; read up under <Color Management>.
It does not matter at all if your image looks fine on the monitor. What matters is if the color numbers of the image are correct. Blurb will print according to the color numbers.
The color numbers of your image will be displayed correctly on the monitor if it is properly calibrated to the industry standard of 6500 K and a gamma 0f 2.2 and if the intensity (brightness) of the monitor is set correctly.
Do this: calibrate both your monitors and set the target value for brightness (intensity) to a value between 100 - 110 cd/m2. This value is considered correct as it will give you prints that match the monitor in brightness.
The best test for checking for how images will look in a blurb book is this: Print the images as sRGB on your own printer. You can do this in two ways:
a) Export the image as JPG in sRGB in the size it will be printed. You can do this from the Book Module, Re-import it into Lr and print from Lr.
b) Don't export the image just print from Lr by selecting <Managed by printer> as the profile and set your printer to sRGB.

Photoshop saves JPEG images much too dark--any ideas?

Hi there, I'm having an issue with my Photoshop applications and I was hoping someone could give me a little insight/help in fixing the problem.
When working with a file in Photoshop (I am an artist, so I usually create my files from scratch rather than loading them from a camera), I can get the colors to appear as they should in the workspace. When I finish artwork, I make sure the colors are exactly as I want them, then save it as a JPEG file. However, if I open this JPEG file in any application--browsers, photo viewing programs--it is extremely dark and saturated. If I open the JPEG in Photoshop, though, it looks fine. This issue seems to have occurred spontaneously 3-4 months ago. I don't recall changing or deleting any of my monitor or video card preferences, or my color profiles. I was working with Photoshop Elements 4.0 at the time, and it suddenly started happening.
Now, I have found a sort of work-around for it. If I screencap my workspace with the artwork open in it, then I can open up that screencap in Photoshop. The colors are much TOO bright and washed out when I do this, but if I crop the image so it's just the artwork and save it, then it displays in browsers and viewing programs more or less as it should, i.e. how I see it in Photoshop. However, if I open that JPEG in Photoshop, it will display much brighter than the original artwork.
It's not a desperate issue since I have this weird work-around, but I'm currently trying to save images for printing--which means they need to be very large, and I'm not keen on zooming to 100% and screen-capping the art piece by piece, then stitching it all together before saving it. I'd really like to get this issue resolved. I thought it might have to do with the fact that I was using outdated software (PSE 4.0), but I've just recently upgraded to CS5 Extended and the same issue prevails.
If it's any help, I'm working on an HP EliteBook 8740w, with Windows 7 and an NVIDIA Quadro video card.
Here are the things I've tried, which haven't worked:
Deleting Photoshop preferences/settings (in both PSE 4.0 and CS5)
Uninstalling and re-installing both programs
Re-calibrating my monitor
Changing color settings in Photoshop (files still end up dark regardless)
Disabling OpenGL Drawing
Switching between file types when saving
I am at my wit's end! I am mostly concerned that my clients and professors aren't going to see my work as it is intended to look, when they view it online. The erratic behavior of too-dark or too-light, and my pictures seemingly never displaying correctly on any browser or in any program, has me a little paranoid about my online portfolio, haha. I'm applying for an art scholarship in a month, and if none of my work will save correctly (much less print correctly!) then it will be a sad day indeed!
As I said before, this problem seems to have popped up out of nowhere. My artwork from before the whole saving-too-dark issue began still displays perfectly in most programs, but the rest is totally hit-and-miss. If any of you have fixes or suggestions (even suggestions on adjusting Photoshop so that my images display more consistently in browsers and other programs) I would be extremely grateful.
Thanks so much for your time,
-Jenna

Though you have solved your problem, be aware, that different applications have different ways to interpret color profiles that can be set in different ways.
Example:
In Firefox, you can either set a color profile or not -- AFAIK, it only works with v2 ICC profiles (vs. v4, v3 seems to have not been released).
From that point, you can set perceptual, absolute, colormetric, or one other...(forget)... but usually you just set that to perceptual for monitor work as I understand it. Then a 3rd FF setting (all in its registry, of course, though occasionally there are extensions that let you manage the three settings. They correspond to values (accessible through 'about:config' in FF's address window), all under the prefix:
"gfx.color_management."
"display_profile" - text string of file containing a v2 ICC profile, usually in "C:\Windows\System32\Spool\drivers\color\" (at least on Win7) -- extention ".icm"
"mode" -- when to turn it on (2=for pics that have profiles set, another is for always (1?)), maybe 0=off?
"rendering_intent" - this corresponds to perceptual, abs, colormetric, types, I think 0=perceptual (default)
for FF, if you google one of those values, you'll find more info on some mozillian-type site... "prefix<keyname>" (e.g. - gfx.color_management.display_profile ).
Other progs may have their own or if we are lucky would use the system profile & color management system (assuming it is any good).
Getting an accurate monitor profile and keeping it updated as your monitor 'decays' (i.e. color is usually best when new, then they decay, w/useful life at max gamut ~ 18 months (in my experience), after that, you can still retune to the same white point, but with a loss of gamut due to the phosphors decaying at different rates).
It's best to use some sort of external calibration HW... -- as an external device looking at your monitor through it's various colors is the only way to get a 'digitally objective' measurement. That said, I always have concerns about the stability of the measuring device over time. Does it have components that that could cause non-linear measurement? Am guessing not as likely, as it isn't emitting anything so less wear & tear, but I wouldn't assume it's 100% accurate over time either (but certainly is better than one's own eye which can gradually adjust to just about anything). I had a viewsonic when I first got my current color device (a Spyder3), and it had gone from an original white point of 6500K down to 5700K -- and I had not noticed the difference (over 18-20 months)...
I could bring it back in range, but had lost gamut, and was a bit below the sRGB (consumer grade) standard (which is some fractional
value of the Adobe Photoshop or NTSC standards, which are similar in the size of their ranges, but slightly offset from each other).
The result of all this -- I never really know how my images will look on other monitors, but I try to tag them w/my current monitor profile, hoping that if they care about color, they'll have some SW on their end that can make sense of it...but given my own experience in how SW on the same system handles color differently, I wouldn't say they were 'high hopes'... ;-)

R1800 colors too dark

follow up from my last post
having had time to experiment
...old settings that matched were printer mgmt, Epson vivid gamma 2.2 paper
premium glossy, PS set on relative allow printer mgmt
...now all the prints I make with same saved settings are too dark and too
magenta
..using calibration on monitor from software based gamma program Samsung
magic eye can see all levels of black and whites with separation on webpage
test, do not have a hardware based tool
R1800 system display properties set to auto choose from profiles I see the
profile and the paper profiles there (later tried manual select ee089_3
>Epson default profile)
reinstalled same to make sure up to date
things I tried:
turn off printer mgmt, let PS manage, chose perceptual>>same exact results
as first too dark,too magenta
turn back to printer mgmt in PS, set to perceptual in PS, gamma 2.2 in Epson
driver>>same exact results
PS choose no color mgmt printer set to standard (was on vivid), try ICM on
sRGB (same as files & camera)
PS back to printer mgmt, relative printer set to icm sRGB input
standard>exact same results too dark, too magenta
make print in Windows wizard software>>same exact results
go back to printer driver-using my old settings that used to match>>
manually by sliders >set brightness up and pulled down magenta>>much much
closer to picture on monitor
UGH!! have to make 13x13 display prints and am wasting ink and paper testing
all this (used 6x13 strips left over trims)

second sentence
...old settings that matched were printer mgmt, Epson vivid gamma 2.2
paper
premium glossy
Thank you wolf
kind of you to say so
I will see if my friend can come over and use his on my machine
I went to Norman Korens page and it looks OK at 2.2 no wavy lines

The screen saver too dark

ok i had my e65 a fews days now and i have
nearly figured out everything as in all
the functions with the exception of these,
which i need help with.
1, when the sreensaver comes on i notice
that its too dark and i mean, if i wanted
to quickly look at the time and/or date
i have to focus properly to see it, i cant
quickly glance on it as other phones
is there some sort of control to adjust the
clock on the screensaver to turn the brightness
or contrast up a bit that i may have
overlooked ?
2, whats the real purpose of this light sensor
on the top right hand corner ?
i have covered it a few times in day light and
low to no light at all but nothing happens.
thanks in advance

KD44
"Did you work out how to do it, I've still not sorted it either?"
nope i have not figured them out yet... the screen saver is too dark and that light sensor must be some sort of joke.
MINI RANT MODE ON
the light sensor really annoys me to look at knowing it serves no purpose at all and after using a few other screen savers its too bloodly dark. it would of been better if nokia had put nothing there at all at least this way i could understand that there is nothing to look at.
as for the slow capture actions of the camera..... well i will leave that for another time
MINI RANT MODE OFF
apart from that though the nokia e65 is the best ever phone i have used to date. connecting via VPN or SSH to my home server is a breeze, using SIP with www.sipgate.co.uk is like talking on a house phone (very clear) the internet is fast even with the stock browser.
too many good points to mention
sorry KD44 i think i slightly diverted from the main question
if you figure them out then please let me know.. its obvious that one other nokia knows the answer.
Thanks
Nokeya

IPhoto books appear oversaturated

I realized some iPhoto books and I was disappointed by the quality of the pictures because they appear oversaturated.
I tried saving the PDFs from iPhoto and also the PDFs appear oversaturated if I open in Adobe Reader or Apple Preview.
But the pictures (all with embedded sRGB color profile) are well balanced in iPhoto and in Photoshop, and If I make photographic prints they are OK.
Where is the problem? Is in the PDF conversion made from iPhoto when it sends the books to print?
I work on a MacPro with Snow Leopard, and a LaCie 324 monitor calibrated with Xrite instrument. I live in Italy and the iPhoto books are printed in Europe, the first time I received them from Czech Republic, the second from Holland.
Here are three PDFs saved from iPhoto with oversaturated pictures
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1631025/Diego_Cuoghi_Computergrafica_3D_300dpi.pdf (40mb)
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1631025/Diego_Cuoghi_Grafica_300dpi.pdf (32mb)
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1631025/Diego_Cuoghi_Fotoinserimenti_300dpi.pdf (54mb)

hey, i was looking for iphoto book back up tips and i read your post sometimes ago....
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance
what do you meant by back up a copy of library6 iphoto database file?how can i do it?
I have back up my iphoto library to an external hard disk, is that mean the iphoto books will be saved as well?

IPhoto Book Quality

I am interested in hearing about other peoples experiances with the print quality of thier iPhoto 6 books.
I have ordered two iPhoto books, the first about a year and half ago with iPhoto v5 came out spectacularly. The most recent I just received today ordered via iPhot v6. I am not to happy with. It has the following problems...
1. Washed out colors. Several of the photos have distinctly muddled colors. This washed out effect is not consistant and varies from photo to photo.
2. Blurry photos. The printing process has severely blurred some photos as if the print heads of the printer where misaligned.
3. Banding. Several of the photos indicate print banding such that occurs on low end inkjets.
4. Print artifacts. Several pages contain marks and blemishes in the white borders and margins.
I have emailed support asking to retun the book but beyond that does anyone have ideas of things I could do to get a better quality print out? Thanks.
- C. Thomas

thomas_c:
Welcome to the Apple Discussions. I've had very good luck with book but others have experienced what you have to some extent or another. It's probable that your book is a on time error and you should contact Apple and ask for a refund - http://www.apple.com/support/iphoto/customerservice/orderbooks/. Apple has been very good at correcting such problems.
Regarding quality of the books and materials the following is what I received back from Apple regarding an email asking about material and print quality:
I contacted Apple and asked for information that I could pass on. Here's the reply I received from Apple:
"Thank you for contacting the Apple Print Products Customer Service.
I understand that you would like to know the printing process that is used and the color mode the files should be in, so you can better advise users in the iPhoto forum.
iPhoto version 4 or later, allows you to import and print files through the Apple Print Product service as RGB, grayscale, or CMYK color space. JPEG files with RGB color space are recommended for best results.
While iPhoto 2 can import files of various formats, including RGB color, grayscale, and CMYK, this version requires JPEG files with RGB color space when printing photos and books.
For more information regarding iPhoto 2, please visit the following article:
iPhoto: Color, Black and White Prints Appear Garbled or Distorted
For more information regarding iPhoto 5, please visit the following article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=165501
Here are some of the technical specifications for the books, cards, and calendars. I hope this gives you an idea about their quality and form.
BOOKS
All iPhoto books are printed using acid-free paper for long-lasting image quality. The photos are printed at a high resolution (300DPI if you use iPhoto 6). There is no external modification--such as sharpening or contrast adjustment--of the photos; what you see in the application is what is printed in the book.
Hardcovers Books
The cover is hard-bound and covered in linen. You select the linen color during the book-ordering process. The hardcover books have a solid, stiff binding that is glued and crimped. The internal pages, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches, are printed on McCoy 100# Text Gloss paper stock.
Softcover Books
The softcover books come in three sizes:
- Large 8.5 x 11 inches
- Medium 6 x 8 inches
- Small 2.6 x 3.5 inches
All of the softcover books have internal pages that are printed on McCoy 100# Text Gloss paper stock. The large softcover book has a white cover (Kromekoteplus Folding Cover, 16 point) with a cutout on the front that reveals the cover-page photo in the book. The covers for the medium and small softcover books have the cover image and title printed directly on the cover. All of the softcover books have a glued binding and feature a thick cover of McCoy 100# Cover Gloss paper stock.
CARDS
All cards are printed on McCoy 120# Silk Cover paper stock. The postcards measure 4 x 6 inches, and the greeting cards measure 5 x 7inches.
CALENDARS
All calendars measure 8 x 10 inches and are printed on McCoy 100# Silk Cover paper stock.
To ensure the best print quality, we have chosen to use Kodak NexPress technology. The press uses a dry toner, which is fused to the surface of the paper. Please see NexPress' site for more information:
KODAK NEXPRESS 2500 Digital Production Color Press
I hope you find this information helpful in answering questions on the iPhoto forum."
Do you Twango?
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've written an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

Iphoto books -- color management & sharpening

I have recently decided to try to print photos from a trip to New Zealand as an Apple iPhoto photo book. (I am using the latest version of iPhoto 6.XXXX.) I have a few basic questions that I'm having a hard time confirming answers to: (1) I read on a discussion forum somewhere (not sure where) that iphoto photo books are color managed to sRGB color space. Can anyone confirm this? (2) To keep my photos in sRGB, I am saving them from Photoshop as sRGB files. When I import the images into iPhoto to make a photo book, I am pointing to them only, rather than having the files recopied into the iPhoto database (save space on my hard drive). I assume this should work to preserve sRGB color space? (3) I do not plan on making any edits of photos in iPhoto itself, although some will presumably be resized by the program given that they will exceed 300 dpi. (4) For sharpening, I plan on saving all my files at 300 dpi and sharpening based on an 11" print. (I'm going to print an 8 1/2" x 11" book.) For photos that are smaller than full page size (i.e., 2 or more photos per page), I assume they'll get downsized in iPhoto, so sharpening won't be perfectly maximized, but this should work pretty well, I hope? Any other suggestions/tips about a work flow? I looked at Amazon for an instruction book on iphoto but the only one I found (the "missing manual" by pogue), only has part of a chapter devoted to iphoto books. If someone tells me that this book, or another, will answer all of these types of questions, I'll buy it. Oh yeah, one more question, is there different quality paper used in the single side photo books vs. double sided photo books (both hardcover). From what I could tell, the single sided paper must be thicker because it permits less photos per page. Any other differences? Thanks in advance, Howard

Howard:
Welcome to the Apple Discussions. Apple does prefer the sRGB color space. As far as dpi, just provide the largest pixel dimension file possible. If you want the files to fit the frames in each page exactly the crop to the 4:3 ratio beforehand. However, you can use non 4:3 files. If one is added to a frame it will be scaled to fill the frame, losing some of the image on the larger side. To get the entire photo in the frame Control-click on it and select the Fit photo to frame option.
I believe the same paper is used for single or double sided. Here's what Apple sent me regarding book materials and quality:
I contacted Apple and asked for information that I could pass on. Here's the reply I received from Apple:
Thank you for contacting the Apple Print Products Customer Service.
I understand that you would like to know the printing process that is used and the color mode the files should be in, so you can better advise users in the iPhoto forum.
iPhoto version 4 or later, allows you to import and print files through the Apple Print Product service as RGB, grayscale, or CMYK color space. JPEG files with RGB color space are recommended for best results.
While iPhoto 2 can import files of various formats, including RGB color, grayscale, and CMYK, this version requires JPEG files with RGB color space when printing photos and books.
For more information regarding iPhoto 2, please visit the following article:
iPhoto: Color, Black and White Prints Appear Garbled or Distorted
For more information regarding iPhoto 5, please visit the following article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=165501
Here are some of the technical specifications for the books, cards, and calendars. I hope this gives you an idea about their quality and form.
BOOKS
All iPhoto books are printed using acid-free paper for long-lasting image quality. The photos are printed at a high resolution (300DPI if you use iPhoto 6). There is no external modification--such as sharpening or contrast adjustment--of the photos; what you see in the application is what is printed in the book.
Hardcovers Books
The cover is hard-bound and covered in linen. You select the linen color during the book-ordering process. The hardcover books have a solid, stiff binding that is glued and crimped. The internal pages, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches, are printed on McCoy 100# Text Gloss paper stock.
Softcover Books
The softcover books come in three sizes:
- Large 8.5 x 11 inches
- Medium 6 x 8 inches
- Small 2.6 x 3.5 inches
All of the softcover books have internal pages that are printed on McCoy 100# Text Gloss paper stock. The large softcover book has a white cover (Kromekoteplus Folding Cover, 16 point) with a cutout on the front that reveals the cover-page photo in the book. The covers for the medium and small softcover books have the cover image and title printed directly on the cover. All of the softcover books have a glued binding and feature a thick cover of McCoy 100# Cover Gloss paper stock.
CARDS
All cards are printed on McCoy 120# Silk Cover paper stock. The postcards measure 4 x 6 inches, and the greeting cards measure 5 x 7inches.
CALENDARS
All calendars measure 8 x 10 inches and are printed on McCoy 100# Silk Cover paper stock.
To ensure the best print quality, we have chosen to use Kodak NexPress technology. The press uses a dry toner, which is fused to the surface of the paper. Please see NexPress' site for more information:
KODAK NEXPRESS 2500 Digital Production Color Press
I hope you find this information helpful in answering questions on the iPhoto forum.
Do you Twango?
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've written an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

IPhoto Book Colour Profiles & File Sizes?

I want to make a book in iPhoto. All my images are Adobe RGB. Do I need to change the colour profile.
I have a Mac with and Apple flat screen that has been colour balanced. So all the images look good. I am just concerned that they will be printed in a different profile and look rubbish.
What is the smallest file size and resolution that will look good.
Any other helpful advice.

Here's what Apple responded with when I asked them about book material and print quality:
"Thank you for contacting the Apple Print Products Customer Service.
I understand that you would like to know the printing process that is used and the color mode the files should be in, so you can better advise users in the iPhoto forum.
iPhoto version 4 or later, allows you to import and print files through the Apple Print Product service as RGB, grayscale, or CMYK color space. JPEG files with *RGB color space are recommended for best results.*
While iPhoto 2 can import files of various formats, including RGB color, grayscale, and CMYK, this version requires JPEG files with RGB color space when printing photos and books.
For more information regarding iPhoto 2, please visit the following article:
iPhoto: Color, Black and White Prints Appear Garbled or Distorted
For more information regarding iPhoto 5, please visit the following article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=165501
Here are some of the technical specifications for the books, cards, and calendars. I hope this gives you an idea about their quality and form.
BOOKS
All iPhoto books are printed using acid-free paper for long-lasting image quality. The photos are printed at a high resolution (300DPI if you use iPhoto 6). There is no external modification--such as sharpening or contrast adjustment--of the photos; what you see in the application is what is printed in the book.
Hardcovers Books
The cover is hard-bound and covered in linen. You select the linen color during the book-ordering process. The hardcover books have a solid, stiff binding that is glued and crimped. The internal pages, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches, are printed on McCoy 100# Text Gloss paper stock.
Softcover Books
The softcover books come in three sizes:
- Large 8.5 x 11 inches
- Medium 6 x 8 inches
- Small 2.6 x 3.5 inches
All of the softcover books have internal pages that are printed on McCoy 100# Text Gloss paper stock. The large softcover book has a white cover (Kromekoteplus Folding Cover, 16 point) with a cutout on the front that reveals the cover-page photo in the book. The covers for the medium and small softcover books have the cover image and title printed directly on the cover. All of the softcover books have a glued binding and feature a thick cover of McCoy 100# Cover Gloss paper stock.
CARDS
All cards are printed on McCoy 120# Silk Cover paper stock. The postcards measure 4 x 6 inches, and the greeting cards measure 5 x 7inches.
CALENDARS
All calendars measure 8 x 10 inches and are printed on McCoy 100# Silk Cover paper stock.
To ensure the best print quality, we have chosen to use Kodak NexPress technology. The press uses a dry toner, which is fused to the surface of the paper. Please see NexPress' site for more information:
KODAK NEXPRESS 2500 Digital Production Color Press
I hope you find this information helpful in answering questions on the iPhoto forum."
As for file size, keep the pixel dimension of the photo the largest you can. That will convert to the highest resolution possible when converted to the pdf for uploading and printing. iPhoto will assign a warning flag to those photos that end up with a dpi of less than 180 when added to a particular frame in the book. When added to a smaller frame the warning flag may go away. I've printed books with that warning and was happy with the results.
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

Exporting iphoto book quality

What is the quality of the photos exported to PDF from iphoto? I'm having a professional lab print up my photo book but I would like to select them from iphoto and give them a general idea of layout using the photo book in iphoto. However, I'm concerned about giving them the highest quality photos. It would be much easier to select the photos in iphoto book and burn to disc than finding and exporting.

scubanut:
Are you going to provide the layout to the printer in the form of a pdf of the book?
From what I've gathered iPhoto uses 300 dpi for it's books. If you look at the iPhoto preference file with Pref Setter and search for dpi you can see the settings for the various sizes of books.
There are several good threads on Apple's book quality, materials, etc. I asked Apple about book quality back when iPhoto 6 was the latest version and here's their response to me:
I contacted Apple and asked for information that I could pass on. Here's the reply I received from Apple:
"Thank you for contacting the Apple Print Products Customer Service.
I understand that you would like to know the printing process that is used and the color mode the files should be in, so you can better advise users in the iPhoto forum.
iPhoto version 4 or later, allows you to import and print files through the Apple Print Product service as RGB, grayscale, or CMYK color space. JPEG files with RGB color space are recommended for best results.
While iPhoto 2 can import files of various formats, including RGB color, grayscale, and CMYK, this version requires JPEG files with RGB color space when printing photos and books.
For more information regarding iPhoto 2, please visit the following article:
iPhoto: Color, Black and White Prints Appear Garbled or Distorted
For more information regarding iPhoto 5, please visit the following article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=165501
Here are some of the technical specifications for the books, cards, and calendars. I hope this gives you an idea about their quality and form.
BOOKS
All iPhoto books are printed using acid-free paper for long-lasting image quality. The photos are printed at a high resolution (300DPI if you use iPhoto 6). There is no external modification--such as sharpening or contrast adjustment--of the photos; what you see in the application is what is printed in the book.
Hardcovers Books
The cover is hard-bound and covered in linen. You select the linen color during the book-ordering process. The hardcover books have a solid, stiff binding that is glued and crimped. The internal pages, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches, are printed on McCoy 100# Text Gloss paper stock.
Softcover Books
The softcover books come in three sizes:
- Large 8.5 x 11 inches
- Medium 6 x 8 inches
- Small 2.6 x 3.5 inches
All of the softcover books have internal pages that are printed on McCoy 100# Text Gloss paper stock. The large softcover book has a white cover (Kromekoteplus Folding Cover, 16 point) with a cutout on the front that reveals the cover-page photo in the book. The covers for the medium and small softcover books have the cover image and title printed directly on the cover. All of the softcover books have a glued binding and feature a thick cover of McCoy 100# Cover Gloss paper stock.
CARDS
All cards are printed on McCoy 120# Silk Cover paper stock. The postcards measure 4 x 6 inches, and the greeting cards measure 5 x 7inches.
CALENDARS
All calendars measure 8 x 10 inches and are printed on McCoy 100# Silk Cover paper stock.
To ensure the best print quality, we have chosen to use Kodak NexPress technology. The press uses a dry toner, which is fused to the surface of the paper. Please see NexPress' site for more information:
KODAK NEXPRESS 2500 Digital Production Color Press
I hope you find this information helpful in answering questions on the iPhoto forum."
Also, see Dusky's response in this thread. He's a ditigal press operator and gives some insight on how the books are printed. http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3751865&#3751865.
Happy Holidays
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

Custom page layouts for iPhoto books- bleeds and type

I've been digging through the forum for info on creating custom page layouts. I have the basics: print PDF (to capture the page BG and graphics elements), manipulate in PhotoShop and place the custom page as a full page photo.
How does iPhoto deal with bleeds? Since I'm trying to recreate the style of the other pages I'd like it to match.
Is all type in an iPhoto book rasterized? The printed PDF retains type. Will rasterized type in PS layouts match "native" text in iPhoto?
I haven't purchased a book yet and I'm wondering if the book is sent to Apple as a PDF with vector data. If that's the case can custom pages be inserted into the PDF with vector type intact?
Thanks all!
rg

gatz:
Welcome to the Apple Discussions. I don't know much about bleeds but you can manipulate it in the iPhoto preference file with Pref Setter.
Regarding the rasterized type, you'll have to give it a try and then create a pdf of the book to check it out. In iPHoto 5 we used to be able to get a copy of the pdf file that was uploaded to Apple but in V6 that's not possible. I think the pdf file may be the same as we get when creating it via Print to PDF. Here's the info I received from Apple about book quality and materials:
I contacted Apple and asked for information that I could pass on. Here's the reply I received from Apple:
"Thank you for contacting the Apple Print Products Customer Service.
I understand that you would like to know the printing process that is used and the color mode the files should be in, so you can better advise users in the iPhoto forum.
iPhoto version 4 or later, allows you to import and print files through the Apple Print Product service as RGB, grayscale, or CMYK color space. JPEG files with RGB color space are recommended for best results.
While iPhoto 2 can import files of various formats, including RGB color, grayscale, and CMYK, this version requires JPEG files with RGB color space when printing photos and books.
For more information regarding iPhoto 2, please visit the following article:
iPhoto: Color, Black and White Prints Appear Garbled or Distorted
For more information regarding iPhoto 5, please visit the following article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=165501
Here are some of the technical specifications for the books, cards, and calendars. I hope this gives you an idea about their quality and form.
BOOKS
All iPhoto books are printed using acid-free paper for long-lasting image quality. The photos are printed at a high resolution (300DPI if you use iPhoto 6). There is no external modification--such as sharpening or contrast adjustment--of the photos; what you see in the application is what is printed in the book.
Hardcovers Books
The cover is hard-bound and covered in linen. You select the linen color during the book-ordering process. The hardcover books have a solid, stiff binding that is glued and crimped. The internal pages, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches, are printed on McCoy 100# Text Gloss paper stock.
Softcover Books
The softcover books come in three sizes:
- Large 8.5 x 11 inches
- Medium 6 x 8 inches
- Small 2.6 x 3.5 inches
All of the softcover books have internal pages that are printed on McCoy 100# Text Gloss paper stock. The large softcover book has a white cover (Kromekoteplus Folding Cover, 16 point) with a cutout on the front that reveals the cover-page photo in the book. The covers for the medium and small softcover books have the cover image and title printed directly on the cover. All of the softcover books have a glued binding and feature a thick cover of McCoy 100# Cover Gloss paper stock.
CARDS
All cards are printed on McCoy 120# Silk Cover paper stock. The postcards measure 4 x 6 inches, and the greeting cards measure 5 x 7inches.
CALENDARS
All calendars measure 8 x 10 inches and are printed on McCoy 100# Silk Cover paper stock.
To ensure the best print quality, we have chosen to use Kodak NexPress technology. The press uses a dry toner, which is fused to the surface of the paper. Please see NexPress' site for more information:
KODAK NEXPRESS 2500 Digital Production Color Press
I hope you find this information helpful in answering questions on the iPhoto forum."
Do you Twango?
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've written an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

IPhoto Books What about Aperture Books In Australia

Hello Everyone.
Now iPhoto books are available in Australia, has anyone tried a book from Aperture ???
Many Thanks

I had Aperture 1.5.6 and they didn't work from there but I've just upgraded to Aperture 2.0 (an excellent upgrade, well worth it) and they do work from this version - books & prints only though.
Cheers,
Paul Martin
www.paulnika.com

Installed Yosemite and iPhoto 9.6. A lot of my photos are much too dark now and the colour is not right. Any fix available? I did a backup prior to the new installs.

Installed Yosemite and iPhoto 9.6. A lot of my photos are now too dark and the colour is way off from the originals. Any suggestions to correct this mess. I did a backup prior to installing Yosemite and iPhoto 9.6.

Check the monitor settings in the System/Displays/Color preference pane. You may have to change the color profile used or calibrate the monitor.
Also check the System/Accessibility preference pane to see if the Increase contrast checkbox is checked. If it is check it and see if there's any improvement.

IPhoto books are often too dark or too light.

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