Abstract: A method of introducing ink in an ink-jet recording apparatus including an ink-jet printing head which ejects, to a recording medium, the ink through nozzles thereof, the method including the steps of a first ink-introducing step of initially introducing a first ink into the ink-jet printing head when the ink-jet printing head is initially used, the first ink having a first degree of deaeration; and a second ink-introducing step of subsequently introducing a second ink into the ink-jet printing head after the first ink-introducing step, the second ink having a second degree of deaeration, which is lower than the first degree of deaeration.

Abstract: When a user inputs a print command, a RIP 20 sets a print start flag OFF so that the printing will not be executed. Then, the RIP 20 receives remaining ink amount data from a printer. Further, the RIP predicts the required amount of ink required by the printer to print a desired image based on preview data. The remaining ink amount and the required ink amount for each different colored ink are displayed on a screen. When insufficient ink remains, then a message indicating this is displayed.