Proof setup options in PS CS view menu

[dutchpuzzle]

I'm confused!
When working in PS I have the workspace set to RGB.
If I click on the view menu, I can choose between monitor RGB, windows RGB or should I choose custom?

If custom, I have to choose device to simulate. Do I simulate the paper or the calibrated monitor?
Do I tick or untick preserve RGB numbers?
I think I'd prefer to chose perceptual and black point comp.

Thanks Guys

[RichardSibley]

The idea is to proof the output of the image. So if you are going to be printing the image, you want to chose the relevant paper/printer profile from the list.

Obviously this is dependent on your monitor being correctly calibrated.

[GlennH]

Monitor RGB shows you colour as it appears in non colour-managed applications on your own screen. Windows RGB is sRGB. They're both pretty useless for most people's needs.

You want Preserve RGB numbers unticked, black point compensation ticked, and typically you'd choose between perceptual and relative colorimetric rendering intents. Check the simulate boxes if you want PS to give you an idea of the print's dynamic range - although some prefer to leave this off.

[dutchpuzzle]

So I choose custom, then select the paper I am going to use as the 'device to simulate?
Many thanks
Helpful answer

[GlennH]

So I choose custom, then select the paper I am going to use as the 'device to simulate?

Yep, that's pretty much it. If you open your original file and then create a duplicate, you can edit your 'printing file' alongside the original and attempt to match the two (with proof colours switched on).

Then, you can let either Photoshop or the printer software/driver handle the colour conversion, or you can convert the file yourself to the printer profile and switch colour management off.