When (if ever) to convert to CMYK for printing?

Hi, I've been doing a ton of Googling and forum searching for an answer to this question, but all of the answers I've been reading are very different and I have no idea which to follow. Essentially, I'm using PS and creating a 10'x10' backdrop for a trade show booth and am trying to figure out if I should start in RGB and convert to CMYK, or stay in RGB and let the printer convert to CMYK. The final deliverable will be in PDF format.
Generally the two answers I've found online have been:
1) If you're making something for print ALWAYS create the document in CMYK color before beginning, or convert to CMYK.
2) NEVER work in CMYK, but instead work in RGB and then let the printer convert to CMYK at the end of the process.
A third answer that has come up less often as been:
1) Create all photos, gradients, etc. in Photoshop. Do all vectors in Illustrator. Bring them together in InDesign and export PDF from there.
I'm sure on some level the answer to the question is situational, but the two primary answers people seem to give are complete opposites and I could use some guidance as to when to follow which one, or if one is a common misconception.

Unfortunately, I don't have an answer to that yet. I've been trying to get all of the more detailed information from the printer, but they have been really slow with the responses despite them needing the design sometime tomorrow (the process was starter over a week ago ) and they have no further detail on their website regarding document setup.
So from the sounds of it, assuming it's using an inkjet process it would probably remain in RGB, and if it's an offset process begin in CMYK?
Also, the design is utilizing several adjustment layers in Photoshop and some of the layers have varying opacities, will those be affected by whatever the final printing method is?
Thanks for you help. I don't have a lot of print experience as you can tell.

Similar Messages

Converting Images to CMYK for Print Publication

When in my workflow should I be converting images to CMYK for print publication?
Currently, I shoot RAW photographs with my DSLR in Adobe RGB, import the images into Photoshop for manipulation and then convert the final, sized image to CMYK before placing it in my Indesign document. Before going to print, I convert my files to PDF using the [PDF/X-1a:2001] preset. I use a calibrated system with a profile set for my monitor.
Since many of my pictures have shades of green, I'm often disappointed with the conversion to CMYK because I lose saturation and brightness. Am I doing anything wrong? Is there a better way of preserving the quality of colour in my images when going to a commercial printer?

To see in InDesign what color shifts will occur, use View=>Proof Colors.
I would also recommend View=>Overprint Preview.
Yes there are color shifts when converting RGB to CMYK, but those are due to the fact that the gamut of CMYK is significantly less than AdobeRGB or even sRGB. The same color shifts going to CMYK will occur whether you convert the image in Photoshop or in InDesign during PDF export or at the RIP.
Keeping the color in ICC color managed RGB has the advantage that last minute changes can be made as to what CMYK printing conditions are used, i.e. all CMYK is not the same. Furthermore, if you convert RGB to CMYK early in the workflow, you lose the ability to maintain the color gamut for display of the PDF as well as for printing to high fidelity color devices, i.e., offset or digital (especially inkjet) devices that have extra colorants such as light cyan, light magenta, orange, and/or green to dramatically expand the gamut. Once you lose the gamut in your imagery via conversion to CMYK, you can't go back.
- Dov

10.2 crashes when I try to convert old libraries for use in the new software. Is there a workaround for this? Or will i have to continue using the previous version to complete older projects?

Final Cut Pro X 10.2 crashes when I try to convert old libraries for use in the new software. Is there a workaround for this? Or will I have to continue using the previous version to complete older projects? the only foreseeable solution is to begin any new projects on 10.2 or importing footage on 10.2 and starting form scratch--which is something i definitely don't want to do or have time to do. ANY advice, thoughts, or opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Running 10.10.3 // MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Early 2013) // 2.4 GHz Intel Core i7 // 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

Exactly the same problem with me.
Some other threads advice to remove fonts, clean the caches, remove add ins but nothing works consistenty, for some it looks like it works, for me it failed.
What I did not try yet, was to move the Render files out of the malicious library to trash.

Converting RGB to CMYK for print causes darkening and loss of detail on page.

I work in CS5 to create illustrations in a very broad range of colors. I use filters and adjustment layers to achieve the desired effects, so my images feature gradients and high contrast design. I usually would work only for the web, so I never had a need to convert my images into a CMYK workspace. I have started making prints of some of my work, and I have noticed that I am losing not only detail, but vibrancy as well. A lot of the darker areas are smudging together, and some of the areas with light contrasted against dark look less intelligible than when I created it on screen.
My first attempt at printing was at a Staples, which could be part of the problem. I had TIFF and JPEG files saved as CMYK. The TIFF files looked awful, but the JPEG had slightly more clarity in the print. One of my TIFF files displayed on the Staples computer as being completely stretched out and grayscale, though it looked fine on my own device.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as I am attempting to learn all that I can about this subject. Thanks!

DOn't bither with CMYK for any form if " home printing". Their printers don't work any different from your own inkjet and exoect images to directly come from digital cameras etc. And are calibrated accordingly. Otherwise you have a lot of reading to do on color management, color calibration, gamut etc.
Mylenium

Need CMYK for printer... but msg "document is using CMYK blend space..." concerning

Hello all,
I need to create an output PDF that is CMYK for the printer.
I thought I was doing everything correctly until I got this message that was generated when I selected Export (to PDF), "The document is using CMYK space. Colors are converted to RGB in interactive PDF files. To avoid color changes, click Cancel and choose Document RGB from the Edit > Transparency Blend Space menu. Click OK to continue."
So, I think this means that the PDF export is being saved in an RGB color space. Is that a correct interpretation? If so, how do I preserve the CMYK color space because that is what the commercial printer requires? Is that even possible or relevant?
Thank you

You are a lifesaver!
I was wondering what that "interactive PDF" thing was all about. I didn't release that it was simply an Export As... error. I must have inadvertently selected it at some point.
Thanks a million!

RGB Logo uses Overlay transparency... need in CMYK for print but color changes in overlay

I am working with a logo someone else created in RGB using the Overlay transparency. When I convert it to CMYK just one area seems to "change color".
I tried inserting both versions here - but it isn't working too well. Basically, in the image below the outline of the "scales" appears darker in the CMYK version for printing. Any ideas on how I can adjust it to print in the same vibrant color the RGB is showing?

fill in info RGB is light (like on your screen) and adds more light when mixed, CMYK are pigments and adds more color or multiplies, when mixed

RGB to CMYK (For Print)

How can i convert the RGB Color poroperly convert to CMYK.
I have a color RGB - R-0, G-5, B-55, how can i get the CMYK color for the same.
Please help

DOn't bither with CMYK for any form if " home printing". Their printers don't work any different from your own inkjet and exoect images to directly come from digital cameras etc. And are calibrated accordingly. Otherwise you have a lot of reading to do on color management, color calibration, gamut etc.
Mylenium

When saving a document as a PDF for printing, I lose pages, clip art, and my orginal format. Help!

I have created some forms for our congregation to fill in with answers on adobe forms central. When I go to turn it into a PDF for printing for a hard copy, (not all our members have internet) when i save it to a PDF, it doesn't save all the pages and formats it differently then show on the screen i programmed it onto. How do I fix this issue?

Hi;
In the "Feature Tutorials/Help" linked from the top of the main page of the Forums: Feature Tutorials / Help
There is a Tutorial on "Creating and distributing fillable PDF Forms": Tutorial: Creating and distributing fillable PDF forms
The main thing to look at is the "View" setting and for PDF set it to "Page View", the page breaks you define in Page View will be used in the PDF, there are also "implicit" page breaks added automatically based on the page size.
For the issue with clip art see this FAQ: Image does not show up in PDF
Thanks,
Josh

HELP! Convert JPG to CMYK for print on Epson Stylus Pro 4880 problems

Hello all!
I need to print a JPG file to an Epson Stylus Pro 4880 printer and keep the original colors. The JPG file is of a company logo containging text/graphic. I use CS5 to convert the file to CMYK and save it as an Adobe PDF. When I print it everything looks good but there is a reddish outline around everything. Anyone have an idea how I can get rid of the outline? I am using the US Coated (SWOP) v2 for the CMYK scheme.
Help! I need to print out some logo tags for the customer.
Thanks in advance, Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

wish I could help but I am Mac and Essentials is not in my work flow!

Converting RGB to CMYK for printing.

So I went in to the Apple Store yesterday and told the guy that I'd like to design my own DVD cover for a presentation reel. I was about to spring for the teacher's edition of Photoshop, but he convinced me to buy the cheaper one with a Bamboo tablet...which was the same price as buying the program but included the tablet.
Hours later after designing my DVD cover, I find out that elements doesn't use CMYK mode. Ridiculous! This is my first time doing something like this so I wasn't entirely sure how to proceed... I thought.. oh well maybe I just switch modes later and I'm good. I guess this program was designed for less intense designers that print from a desktop at home, but I had other plans from the start. Anyways, what would you do? Here are my questions:
Should I take back the program/tablet and exchange it for one with CMYK capabilities? If I do this, will the document that I've used in elements be able to work in CMYK mode so I can send it to a printer? ...or do I make a really good print to a desktop printer and then just duplicate those for my cover?
Thanks for the help.

I came across a great web site where you can perform free RGB to CMYK conversions on your image files (up to 5mb). They offer a choice of numerous CMYK profiles. For U.S. commercial offset printing of your DVD cover, I'd recommend choosing GRACoL2006_Coated1v2.icc
http://www.rgb2cmyk.org/

When,if ever will we have numbers for Norway?

Hello Everyone,
I just thought I would ask the community if SKYPE are any nearer getting numbers for Norway?
I asked this same question a long time ago,can`t remember the answer back then?
Regards Steve

Don't hold your breath. Apple is not likely ever going to produce a Linux version of iTunes. I suggest you switch from Linux to OS X on a Mac.

I have to save as CMYK for print, but the colours are out of whack..

hey all,
I am designing something for a CD cover that is going to be printed at a print shop, They say they want their images in CMYK and prefer it in a PDF or highest quality JPEG....
So I have been working in CMYK, everything looks fine in photoshop, but when I save out to a JPG the whole thing gets dark and colours get horribly over saturated.
here you can see the image on the left is what happens when I save out directly from my CMYK file in photoshop. there is a big loss in detail in the darker areas and colours are over saturated. the image on the right is what I get if I convert to mode>RGB and then save the JPG. .. . .this is what I want it to look like....
my problem is the print shop requests the image in CMYK, but I want them to print like it looks in the RGB version
any help would be greatfully appreciated! Thankyou!
also here are the actual .jpegs as saved from photoshop
the CMYK version:
and the RGB version:
edit: I don't know too much about colour profiles, and the print shop hasn't provided one on their site, so I picked the default one - Working CMYK, U.S WebCoated (SWOP v2)
edit: these are the file formats the printers say they take on their site:
PDF - 300 dpi - (preferred), Tiff, Highest resolution JPG, EPS
I don't really have any experience with the other formats but I presume I would get the same colour results

Thanks all for the replies.
Just to be clear the file is already in CMYK (U.S web coated SWOPv2), I understand now its probably smarter to work in RGB and then convert at the end but hadn't done so in this case.
If I change image mode to RGB (or vice versa) i notice a tiny shift in the colours on my monitor but nothing as dramatic as what im seeing in those CMYK Jpeg/TIFF's.
John Danek -
there are probably more than 20 layers in there, my colour settings should all be default because ive never even looked in there before, but here is a screenshot of the dialogue box
and the bit depth is 8-bits per channel
If I save it out as a CMYK .pdf then it looks fine, presumably because im opening it in Adobe acrobat reader so it can see the embedded profile. So I think this is the problem after all, thanks Chris Cox and gator soup for clearing that up!
I have emailed the printers and asked if they can read my embedded profiles correctly with their software (presumably they can) and asked for them to recommend an ICC colour profile but have yet to hear back from them.

Texture filter in Rgb mode to cmyk - safe for print job?

I want to apply the texture filter to a photo for a print job but the texture filter only works in rgb. Can the rgb file be SAFELY converted to cmyk for print?

In what way do you think a conversion from RGB to CMYK after the application of the filter will not be safe? What do you expect to go wrong?
...or if you have tried it, what has gone wrong?

How do I create a Table of Contents in InDesign CS6 for print that easily converts to epub?

How do I create a Table of Contents in InDesign CS6 for a print book that easily converts to epub?
Can anyone point me to a link for a step-by-step (not a video) on setting up all the elements of a print book properly (pages, table of contents and index) so they will convert and reflow perfectly from print to epub in InDesign CS6. This is not about building an ebook from ground up, but taking 50 backlisted print books (converted from old versions of Quark to InDesign) that now need to be converted to epub formats.
OR could someone point me to the link in the Adobe InDesign CS6 support that explains how to create a Table of Contents for a print book (5.5" x 8.5", 288 pages), one that will convert when the file is converted to ePub (for MAC OSX)?
Just downloaded the 706 page inDesign CS6 reference manual from Adobe <http://helpx.adobe.com/pdf/indesign_reference.pdf> but there's not even a search feature on the pdf file.
Up until this week, we have only done print books, creating the TOC the old fashioned way, as a fixed page, comprised of two columns: page numbers and chapters/subject. The files I have created are taken by our printer and printed beautifully.
However, when I convert the same book to epub in CS6, the character and paragraph styles converted beautifully - but everything else is all over the place! The table of contents is on different pages, the columns split apart. That goes for the page contents as well - everything is all over the place. when it's converted to a pdf -- total perfection. Never any problems converting with perfection to pdf format and reading those on the various readers.
(Thank you so much in advance for any help).

<http://helpx.adobe.com/pdf/indesign_reference.pdf> Adobe Digital Reader does have a search feature for reading pdfs. Found the TOC instructions on page 176 of 706 pages.

Video "Convert This Selection For iPod" Problem. Advice?

Hey guys. What's up?
I have an 80g iPod and I use windows xp. Well, when I need to "convert this selection for iPod" for a video, it converts the video alright, but the converted version never plays the audio on the computer or the ipod... Just video.
Any help is really appreciated!!!!
Thanks!!

This should help you.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302892

When (if ever) to convert to CMYK for printing?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for