Your Macintosh is only able to send color information to the printer if all the software for the printer is loaded and functioning properly. You should first make sure you are not experiencing any extension conflicts or corrupted software. For help doing this, search the TIL for the article "System 7.5: Troubleshooting Extension Conflicts". Once you are confident that you have good printing software installed, you can proceed to considering the following.
Color Tables are included in PostScript Level II which is built into the Lasewriter 8.3 driver as well as the ROM of the Color LaserWriter 12/600. Postscript is a computer/printer language used in imaging and Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) files. The printer also supports PICT and JPEG file formats in ROM.
TIFF Files
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Some programs build options on top of the LaserWriter 8.3 print dialogue box. If a non-color PostScript Printer Description (PPD) file is selected, TIFF files will print in black and white because the color information in the file format is not included in the driver or the printer. You must make sure you select the Color Laserwriter 12/600 or compatible color profile. The Generic Color profile will work, but Generic Black and White will not.
The Laserwriter 8.3 Read Me recommends you use TIFF format for your files rather than EPS if you are not physically connected to a Color LaserWriter 12/600 when you create the file. This is because an EPS format creates a Table based on the type of printer in the Lasewriter 8 Prefs file and hue shifts can occur when printing to a different device later on.
Windows
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Color documents will print in black and white if you copy artwork between applications using the Windows clipboard. The Macintosh clipboard will retain color information when copied between programs while the Windows clipboard will not.