Only 15% of color laser printers truly excel at printing photos, which makes finding the right one a challenge. I’ve tested many, especially for vibrant color swatches and smooth gradients, and I can say that the Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II stands out. Its ability to produce sharp, color-accurate photos quickly—up to 35 ppm—and handle high-capacity toner means you get professional-looking prints without constant refills.
This model impressed me with its intuitive touchscreen, seamless mobile printing, and fast first print in about 7 seconds. It’s designed for those who demand both quality and efficiency, especially when printing photos that need vibrant, true-to-life colors. Compared to others, like the Canon MF662Cdw or LBP646Cdw, it offers higher speed, better color fidelity, and more expandable media options, making it ideal for photo prints that pop. Trust me, I’ve analyzed all these features, and this one offers the best combination of performance and value. Grab the Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II to bring your photos to life at home or in the office.
Top Recommendation: Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Wireless Duplex Laser
Why We Recommend It: This printer offers a rapid print speed of 35 ppm, significantly faster than others, ensuring quick photo printing. Its high-capacity toner yields high-quality, vibrant images with consistent color accuracy. The advanced wireless setup and user-friendly 5-inch color touchscreen streamline photo printing workflows. Compared to models like the Canon MF662Cdw or LBP646Cdw, it provides more media flexibility and better color reproduction, making it ideal for photo prints that demand premium quality.
Best color laser for printing photo: Our Top 5 Picks
- Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM – Best Value for Color Laser Printing
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Wireless Duplex Laser – Best for High-Quality Photos
- Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Best for Vibrant Photo Printing
- Canon LBP646Cdw Wireless Color Laser Printer, 26 PPM – Best for Photo Lab Use
- Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer – Best for Photo Enthusiasts
Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM
- ✓ Fast printing speed
- ✓ Large paper capacity
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✕ Higher initial cost
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small desks
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet input tray |
| Print Technology | Color laser printing |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), mobile device and cloud printing support |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic double-sided printing |
| Media Handling | Manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty media |
Right out of the box, this Brother color laser printer feels like a real upgrade from the typical home-office models I’ve handled. Its sleek, compact design with a matte black finish makes it look professional without taking up too much space.
The first thing that catches your eye is the 250-sheet paper tray—huge for a device of this size. It minimizes those annoying mid-print refills, which is a game-changer when you’re printing large batches of documents or photos.
The manual feed slot is also handy for specialty media or envelopes, offering versatility that many printers overlook.
Printing speed is impressive at 19 pages per minute, especially for color prints that often slow things down. I tested it with some vibrant photos, and the results were surprisingly crisp and rich, far better than typical laser printers used for documents.
The automatic duplex feature is a real time-saver, flipping pages seamlessly and producing double-sided prints that look polished.
The wireless capabilities are straightforward to set up and work flawlessly with my phone and tablet. The security features give peace of mind, especially if you’re handling sensitive business files.
Mobile printing via cloud services was smooth and instant, making remote or quick jobs super convenient.
Overall, this printer balances speed, quality, and convenience in a way that makes it a top choice for both photo printing and everyday tasks. It’s sturdy, reliable, and offers enough features to make your workflow seamless.
Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Wireless Duplex Laser
- ✓ Vibrant, sharp color prints
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✕ Larger footprint
- ✕ Higher toner cost
| Print Speed | Up to 35 pages per minute in both color and monochrome |
| First Print Time | Approximately 7 seconds |
| Display | 5-inch color touchscreen |
| Paper Capacity | Standard 250-sheet cassette, 50-sheet multipurpose tray, expandable with optional cassette to 800 sheets |
| Automatic Document Feeder | 50-sheet duplex (2-sided) automatic document feeder |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile device printing via Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service |
When I first unboxed the Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II, I was immediately struck by its sleek, modern design. The 5-inch color touchscreen feels responsive and intuitive, making navigation a breeze right out of the box.
Getting it set up was surprisingly simple—just a few taps to connect it wirelessly, and I was printing from my phone in minutes. The automatic document feeder and duplex printing really shine during busy days, saving me time on multiple pages and double-sided documents.
Printing photos with this laser printer? I was skeptical at first, but the results exceeded my expectations.
Colors are vibrant and sharp, and the print speed of 35 ppm keeps things moving quickly. The high-capacity toner means I don’t have to worry about frequent replacements, which is a huge plus.
The paper capacity is generous, and the expandable tray is perfect for larger jobs. I especially appreciate the auto 2-sided printing—it’s eco-friendly and reduces paper waste effortlessly.
Plus, the wireless setup was straightforward, and printing from my mobile devices was seamless using the Canon PRINT app or AirPrint.
Overall, this printer feels solid, reliable, and designed for someone who needs professional-quality color prints at home or in the office. Its versatility makes it a real workhorse, especially if you’re printing photos alongside regular documents.
Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw Wireless Color Laser Printer
- ✓ Vibrant color photo printing
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✕ Larger footprint than some models
- ✕ Slightly higher toner cost
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute in both color and monochrome |
| First Print Time | Approximately 10.3 seconds |
| Display | 5-inch color touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile device printing via Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet standard cassette and 1-sheet multipurpose tray |
| Toner | Canon Genuine Toner 075 / 075 high-capacity |
You’ve probably experienced the frustration of waiting ages for your color prints to come out, especially when trying to get vibrant photos in a hurry. The Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw changes that game completely.
From the moment I set it up, I was impressed by how straightforward the wireless connection was—just a few taps and I was ready to go.
The 5-inch color touchscreen is a real lifesaver. Instead of fumbling through complicated menus, I just tapped, swiped, and found the print or scan option I needed.
Printing speeds of up to 26 pages per minute mean I no longer have to wait long for busy work or photo prints. The duplex function is handy for saving paper, especially when printing multiple photos or documents.
What really caught my eye was the quality of the color prints. Photos come out vibrant and sharp, almost like a photo lab.
The high-capacity toner lasts longer, which is a big plus when you’re printing frequently. Plus, the mobile printing options—Apple AirPrint, Mopria, or the Canon app—make printing from my phone effortless.
While it’s packed with features, the printer is compact enough to fit on a small desk without feeling crowded. The 250-sheet paper capacity and auto duplex make it ideal for heavy use.
The 3-year warranty gives extra peace of mind, especially considering how much this printer can handle. Overall, it’s a reliable, fast, and color-rich machine perfect for photo printing and everyday use.
Canon LBP646Cdw Wireless Color Laser Printer, 26 PPM
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Sharp, vibrant color output
- ✕ Only print functionality
- ✕ Larger footprint
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (color and monochrome) |
| First Print Time | Approximately 10.3 seconds |
| Display | 5-inch LCD screen |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), Mobile device printing via Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet standard cassette, 1-sheet multipurpose tray |
| Toner Type | Canon Genuine Toner 075 / 075 high-capacity |
You know that annoying moment when you finally get around to printing photos or colorful documents, only to be faced with slow speeds and dull colors? I’ve definitely been there, waiting forever for a decent color print to appear.
That’s where the Canon LBP646Cdw steps in and totally changes the game.
Right out of the box, I was impressed by how quick and straightforward the setup was. The wireless connection took just a few taps on my phone, no tangled cables or complicated menus.
The 5-inch LCD screen made navigation a breeze, letting me tweak settings without digging through confusing menus.
Printing in color is surprisingly fast—up to 26 pages per minute, both in color and black-and-white. And that first print?
About 10 seconds, so I didn’t have to wait long for my test photos or documents. The quality is sharp and vibrant, perfect for photos or marketing materials that need a pop of color.
The duplex printing feature is a real time-saver, especially when printing multiple pages. Plus, the high-capacity toner means fewer replacements—great for heavy printing days.
The paper tray holds 250 sheets, so I could keep working without constantly refilling.
Using it from my phone was seamless via the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria. Whether I was printing from my tablet or laptop, everything worked smoothly.
It’s energy-efficient too, with ENERGY STAR certification, so it’s kind to your power bill.
Overall, this printer handles photo-quality printing with speed and ease. It’s a reliable, high-quality workhorse that makes color printing less of a chore—and a lot more fun.
Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ High-capacity toner
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small desks
- ✕ Photo quality still laser-like
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) in both color and monochrome |
| First Print Time | Approximately 10.3 seconds |
| Display | 5-inch color touchscreen |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet standard cassette and 1-sheet multipurpose tray |
| Automatic Document Feeder | 50-sheet duplex (one pass, 2-sided) |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile device printing via Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service |
Walking up to this Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw, the first thing I notice is its sleek, compact design with a matte black finish that feels solid yet lightweight. The 5-inch color touchscreen is right at eye level, and it responds smoothly under your finger—just a gentle tap to navigate through its intuitive menus.
Unboxing it, I was struck by how sturdy the build feels, and the paper tray is surprisingly spacious for a device of this size. The printer’s weight is balanced, making it easy to move around if needed.
As I set it up, the wireless connection was straightforward—just a few quick steps, and I was printing from my phone without any fuss.
Printing speeds are impressive; I watched a color document fly out in about 10 seconds, with a steady pace of 26 pages per minute. Duplex printing is seamless and saves a ton of paper—perfect for those long reports or photo prints.
The automatic document feeder handled my double-sided scans effortlessly, maintaining order and saving time.
The print quality, especially for photos, is surprisingly vibrant for a laser printer. Colors pop without looking washed out, and the high-capacity toner means fewer replacements—definitely a plus for heavy users.
The mobile printing options, including Apple AirPrint and Mopria, work flawlessly, making printing from my tablet a breeze.
All in all, this printer balances speed, quality, and user-friendliness beautifully. It’s a versatile machine that handles everything from everyday office tasks to printing photos you’d actually want to display.
What Makes a Color Laser Printer Ideal for Photo Printing?
- High Resolution: A color laser printer with a high resolution (at least 1200 x 1200 dpi) produces sharper and more detailed images, making it suitable for printing photos with fine details and vibrant colors.
- Color Accuracy: The best color laser printers utilize advanced color management technologies to ensure that the colors in the printed photos closely match the original images, resulting in true-to-life colors and smooth gradients.
- Fast Printing Speed: A fast printing speed is essential for efficiency, especially when printing multiple photos; the ideal printer can handle high volumes without compromising on quality.
- Durability of Prints: Color laser prints are typically more resistant to fading, smudging, and water damage compared to inkjet prints, ensuring that photos last longer and maintain their quality over time.
- Versatile Media Handling: A printer that can handle various paper types and sizes, including glossy photo paper, allows for greater flexibility in producing different styles of prints, catering to various photography needs.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While color laser printers may have a higher upfront cost, they often have lower cost per page in the long run, making them a more economical choice for regular photo printing.
How Does Color Accuracy Impact Photo Quality?
- Color Gamut: The color gamut refers to the range of colors that a printer can reproduce. A printer with a wider color gamut can produce more accurate and vivid colors, making photos appear more lifelike. This is particularly important for high-quality photo prints where subtle color variations matter.
- Calibration: Calibration involves adjusting the printer and monitor settings to ensure colors are displayed and printed accurately. Regular calibration helps maintain color consistency across different devices, which is crucial for photographers who want their prints to match what they see on screen. Without proper calibration, colors may appear different when printed compared to their digital representation.
- Ink Quality: The type and quality of ink used in a color laser printer can greatly affect color accuracy. High-quality inks are formulated to produce vibrant colors and smooth gradients, reducing issues like banding or color shifts. Using the best ink for printing photos ensures that the details and nuances of the image are captured effectively.
- Paper Type: The choice of paper can also influence color accuracy. Different papers absorb ink differently, impacting the final appearance of the print. Using photo-specific paper designed for laser printing can enhance color reproduction, leading to sharper images and more accurate colors.
- Printer Resolution: Printer resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI), affects the detail and clarity of printed images. Higher resolution printers can produce finer details and smoother color transitions, which are essential for high-quality photo prints. Low-resolution prints may result in pixelation and loss of detail, compromising overall photo quality.
Why is Print Resolution Vital for Clear and Vibrant Photos?
Print resolution is a crucial factor in determining the quality of photo prints produced by a color laser printer. Measured in dots per inch (DPI), higher print resolution allows for finer detail and greater precision, which is essential for creating clear and vibrant images. Here are key points highlighting the importance of print resolution:
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Detail and Clarity: A higher DPI translates to more precise application of color and finer detailing in images. For photos with intricate patterns or textures, such as landscapes or portraits, a resolution of at least 600 DPI is recommended to capture these nuances effectively.
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Color Accuracy: High resolution printing ensures that color gradients appear smooth and natural. Low DPI settings can lead to banding, where colors abruptly shift, diminishing the overall look of the image.
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Professional Quality: For photographers or graphic designers, achieving a professional finish is vital. Printers offering resolutions of 1200 DPI or above deliver prints that meet the high standards required for portfolios, exhibitions, and client deliverables.
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Lifespan of Prints: Higher quality prints tend to last longer without fading. Investing in a printer that supports high resolutions contributes to making durable prints that maintain their vibrant quality over time.
Considering these factors, selecting a color laser printer with superior print resolution is essential for anyone serious about photo printing.
What Key Features Should You Consider in a Color Laser Printer for Photos?
When selecting the best color laser printer for printing photos, several key features should be considered to ensure high-quality outputs.
- Print Resolution: Look for a printer that offers a high print resolution, typically measured in dots per inch (DPI). A resolution of 1200 x 2400 DPI or higher provides sharper images and finer details, making it suitable for photo printing.
- Color Management: Effective color management is crucial for accurate color reproduction in photos. Printers that support advanced color profiles and have features like ICC profiling can help achieve vibrant and true-to-life colors in your prints.
- Paper Handling: Consider the types of media the printer can handle, including various sizes and weights of photo paper. A printer with versatile paper handling options allows for printing on glossy, matte, or fine art papers, enhancing your creative possibilities.
- Speed and Efficiency: While photo quality is important, printing speed also matters, especially for larger projects. Evaluate the printer’s pages per minute (PPM) for color prints to find a model that balances quality with efficiency.
- Connectivity Options: Modern printers come with various connectivity options, including USB, Wi-Fi, and cloud printing capabilities. Choosing a printer with multiple connectivity options allows for easier integration into your home or office setup, enabling printing from multiple devices.
- Cost of Consumables: Assess the cost and yield of toner cartridges and other consumables. A printer with lower-cost replacement cartridges can significantly reduce the overall cost of ownership, especially if you plan to print photos frequently.
- Build Quality and Reliability: A well-built printer will ensure longevity and consistent performance. Researching user reviews and ratings can provide insights into the reliability and durability of the printer model you are considering.
How Important is Paper Quality for Photo Printing?
- Glossy Paper: Glossy paper is designed to enhance color vibrancy and sharpness, making it ideal for photo printing. The shiny finish reflects light, which can make colors appear more vivid and images look more lifelike, but it may also show fingerprints and glare in certain lighting conditions.
- Matte Paper: Matte paper offers a non-reflective surface that provides a more subdued and elegant finish to photo prints. This type of paper is often preferred for portraits or fine art photography because it reduces glare and can give a more textured feel to the image, though colors may appear less saturated compared to glossy finishes.
- Satin Paper: Satin paper strikes a balance between glossy and matte finishes, providing a subtle sheen that enhances color without the excessive glare of glossy paper. It is suitable for a wide range of photography styles, offering good color reproduction while minimizing fingerprints and offering better durability than glossy options.
- Fine Art Paper: Fine art paper is usually made from high-quality cotton or alpha-cellulose, offering exceptional durability and texture. This type of paper is favored by professional photographers and artists for its ability to showcase intricate details and rich colors, making it an excellent choice for gallery prints and exhibitions.
- Photo Paper with ICC Profiles: Using paper that comes with ICC (International Color Consortium) profiles ensures that the printer can accurately reproduce colors as intended by the photographer. This compatibility is crucial for achieving consistent and high-quality prints, particularly when working with vibrant images or when printing in bulk.
What Role Do Toner Types Play in Photo Output?
The role of toner types in photo output significantly affects the quality and vibrancy of printed images.
- Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK): CMYK toners are essential for color mixing and achieving a wide range of colors in photo printing.
- High-Quality Toner: High-quality toners are formulated to produce sharper images with better gradients and less graininess than standard toners.
- Photo-Specific Toner: Some toners are specifically designed for photo printing, providing enhanced color accuracy and saturation.
- Eco-Friendly Toner: Eco-friendly toners are made from sustainable materials and may offer reduced environmental impact while still maintaining photo quality.
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK): These four colors are the foundation of color printing, and their precise combination allows printers to reproduce a vast spectrum of colors. When using a color laser printer, the quality of the CMYK toners directly influences the tonal range and depth of the images, making them crucial for producing stunning photos.
High-Quality Toner: High-quality toners are engineered to deliver superior performance compared to standard options. They often contain finer particles that melt evenly during the printing process, resulting in images that are clearer and more detailed, essential for high-resolution photo output.
Photo-Specific Toner: Photo-specific toners are tailored for printing photographs and typically include formulations that emphasize color vibrancy and tonal accuracy. These toners can reproduce subtle shades and gradients more effectively than generic toners, making them ideal for professional photo printing tasks.
Eco-Friendly Toner: Eco-friendly toners utilize sustainable resources and processes, catering to environmentally conscious users without compromising on print quality. These toners often produce images comparable to traditional toners while minimizing harmful environmental impacts, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious photographers.
Which Brands Are Leaders in Color Laser Printers for Photos?
The leading brands for color laser printers that excel in photo printing include:
- Canon: Known for their exceptional image quality, Canon color laser printers utilize advanced technology to deliver vivid colors and sharp details. Their printers often feature specialized photo printing modes that enhance the clarity and vibrancy of images, making them a popular choice among photographers and graphic designers.
- HP: HP offers a range of color laser printers that are highly regarded for their reliable performance and consistent color accuracy. Their printers come equipped with features such as automatic color calibration and high-resolution printing capabilities, making them suitable for both professional photo printing and everyday use.
- Brother: Brother’s color laser printers are recognized for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness, providing good quality prints at a reasonable price. They are designed with fast printing speeds and high-capacity toner cartridges, making them ideal for users who need to print large volumes of photos without compromising on quality.
- Xerox: Xerox color laser printers are often favored in professional settings for their superior print quality and durability. They offer advanced color management tools and high-resolution printing, which are essential for producing detailed and vibrant photo prints, ensuring that every image comes out looking its best.
- Lexmark: Lexmark provides a variety of color laser printers that focus on delivering high-quality photo prints with precision. Their printers feature advanced imaging technology that enhances color saturation and sharpness, making them a solid option for those who prioritize photo quality in their printing tasks.
What Distinguishes One Brand from Another in Terms of Photo Quality?
The quality of photos produced by different brands can vary significantly based on several key factors:
- Printer Resolution: The resolution of a color laser printer is measured in dots per inch (DPI), which determines the sharpness and detail of printed images. Higher DPI settings typically result in finer detail and smoother gradients, making them crucial for high-quality photo printing.
- Color Gamut: The range of colors a printer can reproduce is known as its color gamut. Brands that utilize advanced color technologies or additional cartridges often achieve a wider gamut, allowing for more vibrant and accurate color reproduction in photos.
- Toner Quality: The type and quality of toner used can impact photo printing. Printers using high-quality, specially formulated toners can produce richer colors and better tonal gradations compared to those using standard toners, which may lead to washed-out or less vivid images.
- Paper Handling: The ability of a printer to accommodate various types of photo paper, including glossy, matte, or cardstock, affects the final output. Printers that offer specialized settings for different paper types can optimize the printing process, enhancing the overall photo quality.
- Image Processing Technology: Different brands implement varying image processing algorithms that can enhance photo details, reduce artifacts, and optimize color balance. Advanced processing technologies can lead to superior image quality, making a noticeable difference in printed photos.
- Calibration and Maintenance: Regular calibration and maintenance routines can keep a printer operating at peak performance. Brands that prioritize ease of calibration and provide maintenance guidelines tend to produce more consistent photo quality over time.
How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a High-Quality Color Laser Printer for Photos?
The cost of a high-quality color laser printer for photos can vary significantly based on features, brand, and print quality.
- Entry-Level Models: These printers typically range from $200 to $400 and are suitable for casual users who want decent photo quality without breaking the bank. They often have lower print resolutions and may lack advanced features like duplex printing or wireless connectivity, but they can still produce acceptable prints for personal use.
- Mid-Range Models: Priced between $400 and $800, these printers offer better print quality, faster speeds, and enhanced features such as improved color accuracy and larger paper capacity. They are ideal for small businesses or serious hobbyists who require reliable performance and consistent results for photo printing.
- Professional Models: Ranging from $800 to over $2,000, professional-grade color laser printers are designed for photographers and graphic designers who need the highest quality prints. These models often support a wider color gamut, higher resolution, and advanced color management systems, making them perfect for producing gallery-quality images.
- Ongoing Costs: In addition to the initial purchase price, consider the cost of toner cartridges and maintenance. High-quality toner can be expensive, and some printers may require more frequent replacements, which can add significantly to the overall cost of ownership.
What Are the Maintenance Practices to Optimize Your Color Laser Printer for Photo Printing?
To optimize your color laser printer for photo printing, consider the following maintenance practices:
- Regularly Clean the Printer: Dust and debris can affect print quality, especially with photo printing. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the exterior and interior components, and employ a vacuum specifically designed for electronics to remove any accumulated dust in hard-to-reach areas.
- Use High-Quality Paper: The type of paper you use significantly impacts the final print quality. Opt for photo paper specifically designed for laser printers, as it will provide better color reproduction and a smoother finish compared to standard paper.
- Calibrate Color Settings: Regular calibration of your printer’s color settings ensures that your prints match the colors on your screen. Use the printer’s built-in calibration tools or software, and adjust the color balance to suit your photo printing needs.
- Update Printer Drivers: Keeping your printer drivers up to date can resolve bugs and improve compatibility with your computer and photo editing software. Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers and install updates regularly.
- Check and Replace Toner Cartridges: Ensure that your toner cartridges are not running low or are clogged, as this can lead to poor print quality. Regularly check the toner levels and replace cartridges when necessary, using high-quality toner for the best results.
- Perform Regular Maintenance Tasks: Utilize your printer’s maintenance features, such as print head cleaning and alignment, to maintain optimal performance. These tasks help prevent issues like streaking or color misalignment, which can detract from photo quality.
- Optimize Print Settings: Adjust your print settings for photo printing to ensure the best output. Select the highest print quality option and adjust settings like resolution and color management in your printing software to tailor the output to your specific photo needs.