How to Import Custom Media Settings into the Canon iPF6300/8300 Printers

by Nick Friend on July 14, 2011 · 18 comments

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In our previous blog post, we discussed a workflow procedure for printing targets on the ColorMunki through the Canon iPF Print Plug-In (for the 6300 and 8300 printers). This post will show you how to create your own custom media settings for each media you print on to the Canon iPF6300/8300, but will also show you how to import settings created by other users…

Canon includes the Media Configuration Tool for completing these functions. The Media Configuration Tool allows you to dial in customized settings depending on the media you are printing. It also allows you to export your settings into an am1 file, or import another am1 file. At Breathing Color, we provide these am1 files free to our customers. The Media Configuration Tool creates a native file which has the “am1″ file extension. This file holds the head height, vacuum strength, black ink type, maximum ink capacity, feeding calibration, and the product name. Unlike Epson printers (which only has the ability to use existing paper types and modify them), Canon allows you to create a media type from scratch and name it to your specifications.

The first video below will show you how to Import a custom media file from our website into your printer. The second video below will show you how to create a new media file from scratch. In that particular video we are using Lyve Canvas as the example.

If you have any questions please leave a comment below or call us at (866) 722-6567.

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Nick Friend, President of Breathing Color, Inc., is a principle-centered entrepreneur who has over 15+ years of experience in developing and executing innovative sales and marketing strategies as well as building, training, and leading national and international sales forces. His ability to recognize market opportunities, build successful business models, and lead organizations has been demonstrated with multiple business ventures. Mr. Friend was honored by the Orange County Business Journal's "Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards" in 2007 & 2008.

  • Thephotodoc

    How does this work on a Mac?

    • http://www.breathingcolor.com Paul Morales

      Thanks for the question. The process is exactly the same for Mac users as the Media Configuration Tool is the same regardless of computer format.

      • FrançoisH

        I’ve been trying to import the media files for Lyve and Chromata White canvases using the latest version of the Media Configuration Tool on a Mac. And everytime I try to import those media files, the Media Tool crash. Is there any compatibility issue with the latest release of the Tool ?

      • FrançoisH

        I’ve been trying to import the media files for Lyve and Chromata White canvases using the latest version of the Media Configuration Tool on a Mac. And everytime I try to import those media files, the Media Tool crash. Is there any compatibility issue with the latest release of the Tool ?

        • http://www.breathingcolor.com Paul Morales

          Hi FrançoisH ,

          Try checking to see if you have the latest version of the MCT. You can download it on this page here: Canon iPF8300 downloads page.

          • FrancoisH

            That’s the one I use.
            Finally resorted to using the Windows version of the MCT through Parallels. Worked like charm.

  • Charles

    Just wanted to say that I find these videos incredibly useful.  

    You all go beyond making great products – the support around those products is amazing.  

    • http://www.breathingcolor.com Paul Morales

      Thanks Charles! We constantly strive to create great content with informative and helpful videos. If you ever have an idea for a video you’d like to see, send it our way!

  • Mario

    I tried to import the custom media settings for 800M and my IPF 8300.  I downloaded the file as instructed by the video.  However, it does NOT contain an .am1 file only a .icc and .pdf file.

    The file I downloaded was BC_IPFX300_800M.zip.   :(

    • http://www.breathingcolor.com Paul Morales

      Thank you for bringing this to my attention Mario! I have updated our website to have the correct zip file to download, which will contain the ICC profile and 8300 am1 file for our 800M canvas. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do.

  • POSTNET Co105

    Looks like the zip files for the Canon IPF8100 and for the HP5500 have the same problem as Mario stated below….the HP5500 only has the ICC file and the other has the ReadMe and ICC files, but not that third file as shown in the video. I right-clicked to try to Install Profile on them and it did nothing. I actually left a voicemail addressing this yesterday.

    • http://www.breathingcolor.com Paul Morales

      Sorry about the trouble! For the HP5500 there is no am1 file. The am1 files coincide with the Media Configuration Tool which is a Canon exclusive. For the HP5500, you can select the media type that is listed in the profile name. Be sure to unzip the folder to your desktop first. To install the profile, do the following: 

      PC-drag profile to the desktop, right-click and
      select, install profile.

      Mac-go to “Macintosh HD” > Library > ColorSync >
      Profiles. Drag the profile to this folder.

      Hope this info helps!

  • Marc

    Same issue in iPF8300 zip file for Lyve, i.e. no .am1 file included. 

    • http://www.breathingcolor.com Paul Morales

      Thanks for the heads up Marc! I’ve updated the site so the zip contains the ICC profile and am1 file for Lyve on the 8300.

  • http://www.fazteck.co.uk/ Ink cartridges

    Great and useful post for Canon users. keep up the right and great work. thanks for this post also.

    • http://www.breathingcolor.com Paul Morales

      Thank you for the comment. We’re always uploading new videos and info so check back often!

    • http://www.breathingcolor.com Paul Morales

      Thank you for the comment. We’re always uploading new videos and info so check back often!

      • http://www.fazteck.co.uk/ Ink cartridges

        will surely come back soon.

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