AI doesn't display linked RGB images in a CMYK document as it use to.

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
October 1, 2017
3 replies
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I have been working with linked RGB images and used the "view/proof setup" tool to change the display appearance of the image i.e. when working with a lager CMYK ICC profile (or RGB ICC profiles for that matter), than set in the color settings. Even if the "view/proof setup" is set to Adobe RGB 1998 it can't display a linked RGB image, like the way that InDesign display colors.

Seems Adobe has now changed the view, so it always shows the linked RGB image in CMYK (in an CMYK document) - any one know if this can be changed?

Thanks //Axel

rgb displayed as cmyk

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Correct answer Ton Frederiks

InDesign does not force you to choose a color mode for your document like Illustrator does.

That's why you are able to choose and display RGB colors in any InDesign document.

The conversion takes place at print / preview or export time.

Illustrator does not have that flexibility, although linked RGB image are untouched, everything you create in a CMYK document is using the document CMYK profile.

You can make a feature request here:

Adobe Illustrator Feedback

Ton Frederiks

Correct answer

Community Expert

InDesign does not force you to choose a color mode for your document like Illustrator does.

That's why you are able to choose and display RGB colors in any InDesign document.

The conversion takes place at print / preview or export time.

Illustrator does not have that flexibility, although linked RGB image are untouched, everything you create in a CMYK document is using the document CMYK profile.

You can make a feature request here:

Adobe Illustrator Feedback

colour_consultantAuthor

Participating Frequently

Thanks Ton, you just reminded me about the workaround - might make a feature request, as the displaying of RGB images is important when you export to larger size CMYK profile.

The workaround that will fix it:

Taking a CMYK profile which is equivalent to the RGB profile (In color setting) and you will then be able to limit the picture to the CMYK profile you would like to process.

colour_consultantAuthor

Participating Frequently

I am afraid that I don't understand what you mean with:

colour_consultant

Taking a CMYK profile which is equivalent to the RGB profile

I was a bit imprecise - the CMYK color space must be equivalent to or bigger than the RGB color space.

This picture shows Adobe 1998 (in color) and my wide CMYK color space (greyed out) - then I can describe all my Adobe 1998 colors within my CMYK color space. The screenshot is from ColorSync help tool. Does that make sense?

Monika Gause

Community Expert

You are sure that the images have not been embedded?

As for color management of placed images: InDesign's handling is better than Illustrator's.

But if you have an RGB image linked in an Illustrator document then it stays RGB.

colour_consultantAuthor

Participating Frequently

Yes I'm sure, and I know the difference between AI and ID

This first image shows 2 files (One RGB and one CMYK) and they both have a similar look. When saved as a PDF without converting them they will show as RGB and CMYK in Acrobat.