Linux and Dye Sub - is it difficult?

[rossdv8]

That would be fine I suppose, but why buy an old XP computer so I can put Linux on it? Seems to be defeating the purpose somehow. I am getting excellent results with the system as it is on all 3 Linux computers, and now also from my Android tablet - which in itself opens up a whole new opportunity for work when I am travelling. I can't see ICC profiles for Android being released any time soon. But I can now adjust a photo, and print it wirelessly to my Brother printer from either tablet using the same printer settings.

The whole point of this post was to answer a question someone asked once about using Linux to do Dye Sub work. I had the same questions myself, and searched all over the net. There was nothing - anywhere. Here, I can at least let anyone with the same questions know what I have discovered, and am still discovering about Linux and Dye Sub.

Because most of my work is reproducing photographs on three types of substrate, it is relatively simple for me. If I am able to faithfully reproduce what I see on the screen without using ICC profiles, and get a nice sharp picture, then other Linux users that want to try this deserve to know it can be done.

Reading more I have learned to colour match against swatches for solid colours. It is all about knowledge. Windows and Mac users have plenty of help and advice available on this forum. Linux users are entitled to the same. Unfortunately, there only seems to be one person here currently using Linux and Dye Sub commercially.

[rossdv8]

Yup, all Power Driver is doing, is selecting the appropriate ICC profiles in a more user friendly way. In the same way that the Epson printer driver selects appropriate ICCs for Epson ink and papers, depending on what settings you select.

I do understand a little about the wheel. My reference to power driver bypassing the ICC profiles was reference to turning colour management OFF - something you must do to use Power Driver. Otherwise the profiles will fight each other.

My printer selects a generic profile in a user friendly way too. By allowing me to choose a different paper etc. By tweaking the settings all I am doing is modifying the built in profile manually to cope with the difference between sublimation ink and standard Brother ink. I had to do the same thing when I started using Epson pigment ink in my other Brother printer.

There are only so many things you can change in printing. The ratio of cyan.magenta. yellow and black ink that the thing can pump out, and the amount of those inks it can lay down. Instead of doing it with a set of programming instructions, I am doing it with a graphical user interface.

[pisquee]

I do understand a little about the wheel. My reference to power driver bypassing the ICC profiles was reference to turning colour management OFF - something you must do to use Power Driver. Otherwise the profiles will fight each other.

Turning power management off in the printer driver (to disable the printer manufacturers default ICC profiles) is so that you can use your own ICC profiles instead, either through PowerDriver, Photoshop, Corel, a RIP....

[pisquee]

That would be fine I suppose, but why buy an old XP computer so I can put Linux on it? Seems to be defeating the purpose somehow.

My point was to get an XP machine and keep XP on it, along with getting an old copy of Photoshop, and then use your new-found graphic editting skills in Photoshop, and have the ability to use ICC profiling (especially if you also get some ICC profiling kit to make your own) and you will be miles ahead of most people in dyesub.

[pisquee]

Are using Linux for DyeSub because you just want the challenge? or you have some deep seated hatred of getting a Windows or OSX machine?

[rossdv8]

Are using Linux for DyeSub because you just want the challenge? or you have some deep seated hatred of getting a Windows or OSX machine?

I am using Linux for the same reason other Linux users use Linux, and the same reason some people insist on using a Mac. Because it is what I prefer.
Linux is a personal preference, in the same way as choosing Mac or Windows, or iPhone or Android, or for that matter the footy team you support or the beer you prefer. And yes, after about 40 years as a tech and programmer and of having to keep at least two computers running Windows because that's what came with the computers my later customers bought - I do have a deep seated hatred of being 'forced' to use a Windows computer.

This thread is not about Windows vs Linux. It is about 'Linux and Dye Sub - is it difficult?'.

[Paul]

You not forced to use windows

you can use osx
is based on linux and will do what linux cant do

[pisquee]

This thread is not about Windows vs Linux. It is about 'Linux and Dye Sub - is it difficult?'.

I have no problem with what OS people choose to use, but when Windows or OSX can provide you the tools you need for your business, when Linux can't, it does seem an odd choice for you to stick to, when it has created so much extra work for you to get to a stage some using Windows or OSX could have had to "just work"

[rossdv8]

when Windows or OSX can provide you the tools you need for your business, when Linux can't, it does seem an odd choice for you to stick to, when it has created so much extra work for you to get to a stage some using Windows or OSX could have had to "just work

I agree with that.

[AdrianH]

I like Linux and it is my main OS at home and I have a couple of Laptops with Windows for various specific tasks. I have to use Windows at work. To me, keep up the good work.

Adrian