Printing systems, softwares, and methods for user characterization of unknown printer media

Printing systems, softwares and methods permit an untrained user to characterize unknown printing media. A printing system includes a printing device that prints on a medium according to settings. The printing system also includes an interface, and a controller for controlling the settings responsive to inputs from the interface. The controller has an on line mode for printing while the settings are unchanging, and an off line mode for calibration of the settings. While in the off line mode, the controller is adapted to identify a plurality of calibration values for the setting. The controller is further adapted to control the printing device to iteratively set the setting of the printing device according to one of the first calibration values and then print a sample image. This may take place for all the calibration values. Having the sample images, the user selects the best one, and enters its a characteristic number. That number is interpreted to derive the preferred calibration value for the setting. The user may repeat the procedure for each of the various settings.