How to install output ICC profiles?

PROBLEM

I have a custom ICC profile for my printer or specific output. How can I install it on macOS/Windows for use in Capture One?

SOLUTION

Windows

In general, ICC profiles are available in zipped packages so that the file is compressed. Unzip the package by double-clicking on it prior to installing as neither the operating system nor Capture One can parse a zipped ICC profile. Right-click on the file and select Extract All. Follow the directions to extract the ICC file to the source folder. 

To install the profile, right-click on the ICC profile file and select Install Profile.

The profile is now ready to use in Capture One. Quit and re-launch Capture One. Now you can use it as a destination profile for processed files (via the Process Recipe's Basic tab).

You can also use it as a printer profile (in the Print dialog, choose the Color Profile option).

Mac

1. Unzip the package with the ICC profile

Typically, ICC profiles are usually available in zipped packages so that the file is compressed. Unzip the package by double-clicking on it prior to installing as neither the operating system nor Capture One can parse a zipped ICC profile.

2. Copy the ICC Profile file

Click on the profile file to highlight it, then select Edit -> Copy to copy it.

3. Paste the file to the Profiles directory on macOS

Open Finder, then select Go > Go To Folder.

In the resulting dialog, type "~/Library/ColorSync/Profiles" (without quotes).

Select Edit > Paste Item to insert the previously copied file to the Profiles folder

If you are asked to enter your user name and password, simply enter it and proceed.

4. Restart Capture One

As Capture One parses these folders for usable profiles when launched, it is necessary to re-launch Capture One so that the new profile is visible to the application and the changes take effect. The new profile can now be used as a Proof Profile which can be accessed via View -> Proof Profile.

The same goes for the destination profile for the processed file (which is set under the Process Recipe's Basic tab) or as a printer profile (in the Print dialog's Color Profile option).

If the profile does not appear on the list, make sure that the file is present in the Profiles folder.