The Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 is a large-format inkjet printer designed to meet the demanding needs of office environments, professional photographers, and graphic artists. This printer is engineered to deliver exceptional print quality and versatility, making it a valuable asset for a wide range of applications. This article delves into the features of the Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 and provides information on the All-in-One Driver 2.18 for Mac OS X, essential for optimal performance on Apple’s operating system.
Overview of the Canon imagePROGRAF W8400
The Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 stands out in the large-format printing market due to its commitment to high-quality output and robust feature set. Central to its performance is its advanced ink system. The printer utilizes a pigment-based six-plus-one ink system. This system includes six color inks (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Photo Cyan, Photo Magenta, and Gray) along with an interchangeable Matte Black ink. This configuration ensures vibrant and accurate color reproduction on a variety of media types. The ability to swap between Matte Black and Photo Black inks allows users to optimize prints for different surfaces, such as matte paper or glossy photo paper.
Furthermore, the Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 employs a 4-picoliter ink droplet size. Smaller ink droplets contribute to finer detail and smoother gradations in printed images, minimizing graininess and maximizing clarity. This precision is further enhanced by the printer’s impressive 2400 x 1200 dots per inch (dpi) resolution. This high resolution ensures that even the most intricate details are rendered accurately, resulting in professional-quality prints.
Key Features and Benefits
The Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline the printing workflow and enhance creative possibilities. These features include:
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PosterArtist: This software application empowers users to design and print eye-catching posters with ease. It provides a range of templates, design tools, and image editing options, making it accessible to both novice and experienced designers.
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Digital Photo Print Pro: This software is specifically designed for editing digital photos and scanned images. It provides professional-grade tools for adjusting color balance, sharpness, contrast, and other parameters, allowing users to achieve optimal print results.
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imagePROGRAF Print Plug-in for Adobe Photoshop: This plug-in integrates seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop, allowing users to export prints directly from the popular image editing software. This eliminates the need to switch between applications, streamlining the printing process.
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imagePROGRAF HDI Driver: This driver provides compatibility with AutoCAD 2000, a widely used computer-aided design (CAD) software. It enables users to print technical drawings and architectural plans with accuracy and precision.
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PhotoPRINT Select® for imagePROGRAF: This software RIP (Raster Image Processor) is based on Adobe PostScript 3 technology. It provides advanced color management, print queue management, and other features for optimizing print quality and workflow.
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New Print Head BC – 1350: The printer utilizes a newly designed print head (BC-1350) to ensure consistent and reliable performance. The new print head technology contributes to the printer’s high print quality and longevity.
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FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering): Canon’s FINE technology is integral to the printer’s ability to produce high-quality prints. This technology allows for the creation of microscopic ink nozzles with exceptional precision, resulting in sharper images and smoother gradations.
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New High-Speed Controller: The Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 incorporates a new high-speed controller that significantly improves processing speed and overall performance. This ensures that print jobs are completed quickly and efficiently.
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Interchangeable Black Ink: As mentioned previously, the ability to switch between Matte Black and Photo Black inks provides versatility for printing on different media types. This feature is particularly useful for photographers and graphic artists who work with a variety of papers and surfaces.
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Energy Star Qualified: The Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 meets the requirements of the Energy Star program, indicating that it is designed for energy efficiency. This helps to reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.
Driver 2.18 for Mac OS X: Enhancing Performance and Compatibility
The All-in-One Driver 2.18 is specifically designed for Mac OS X and ensures optimal performance and compatibility of the Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 with Apple’s operating system. This driver package typically includes the necessary software components to enable printing functionality, as well as utilities for managing printer settings and monitoring ink levels. Installing the correct driver is crucial for ensuring that the printer operates smoothly and delivers the expected print quality.
Downloading and Installing the Driver
You can download the Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 All-in-One Driver 2.18 for Mac OS X from the following link:
Before installing the driver, it is recommended to uninstall any previous versions of the driver to avoid conflicts. The installation process typically involves running the downloaded installer package and following the on-screen instructions. After installation, it may be necessary to add the printer to your Mac’s printer list in System Preferences.
Alternative Download Links
While the above link is a primary source, here are some alternative download locations for the Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 driver:
- Softpedia: (Search Softpedia for Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 Driver) – Search on Softpedia for the specific driver version.
- DriverGuide: (Search DriverGuide for Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 Driver) – Use their search functionality to locate the driver.
- DriversCollection: (Search DriversCollection for Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 Driver) – Search the site for the driver.
- DriverPack Solution: (Search DriverPack Solution for Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 Driver) – A driver update tool that might have the specific driver.
- Canon Support Website (Check for Legacy Drivers): Navigate to the official Canon support website for your region and search for the Canon imagePROGRAF W8400. While they may not host the specific 2.18 version, they might have a compatible legacy driver.
Note: Always exercise caution when downloading drivers from third-party websites. Ensure that the website is reputable and that the downloaded file is free from malware.
Conclusion
The Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 is a versatile and high-performance large-format printer that caters to the needs of professionals in various fields. Its advanced ink system, high resolution, and comprehensive feature set contribute to exceptional print quality and a streamlined printing workflow. By installing the appropriate driver, such as the All-in-One Driver 2.18 for Mac OS X, users can ensure optimal performance and compatibility with their operating system, maximizing the value of their investment in this powerful printing solution.