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J
jons43124114
Participant
July 3, 2019
Question

Colors don't match preview colors

  • July 3, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 2570 views

When I preview my .ai file in macOS (by selecting the file's icon and pressing spacebar), I get a very different image compared to what I get when I export the file as a .png.

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

I'm lost as to what the difference is. I want to achieve the color profile I have in the browser preview.

I'm also working in CMYK if that makes a difference.

This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

T
Test Screen Name
Legend
July 4, 2019

It isn't hugely technical to say there is no such thing as a CMYK PNG.

Given that, it's a puzzle (at the moment) why you would be designing in CMYK, only to have the final product turned into RGB.

T
Test Screen Name
Legend
July 3, 2019

I wouldn’t expect MacOS to show CMYK correctly. Also, your PNG has been converted, by Illustrator, to RGB. If you want to deliver CMYK you can’t use PNG.

Michael Bullo
Community Expert
Michael BulloCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 3, 2019

This isn't a fix but a possible workaround. If your OS isn't correctly previewing your images, have you tried using a program like Bridge? This program is part of the Adobe family and may give you the more accurate preview you are looking for.

J
jons43124114Author
Participant
July 3, 2019

I'm sorry I wasn't clear. My goal is for my exported image to look like the previewed image in macOS. I'm sure I could fiddle with adding more blended layers to achieve the greater vibrancy, but my question was more to do with what's going on--why macOS is displaying the .ai preview in one way but my exports look nothing like that.

I'm guessing now that the answer is probably technical and nuanced.

Michael Bullo
Community Expert
Michael BulloCommunity Expert
Community Expert
July 4, 2019

Are you working with CMYK for a specific reason? This colour system is designed for print and produces far less vibrant colours than RGB. Could you not work with vibrant RGB colours in Illustrator?

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