Converting RGB Designs to CMYK with Spot Colors

Question

Hello,I am looking for a workflow to solve the following problem and would greatly appreciate any help, plugins, or suggestions you can offer.We have designs delivered in RGB format, and the goal is to convert them into a print-ready version with CMYK and spot colors (Pantone). However, the focus is more on how to structure the color separations rather than the exact Pantone colors.The designs are not simple with solid 100% values, and I have RGB elements that need to be matched to certain Pantone shades with gradient variations.I would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions on the best approach to building these separations.

Bobby Henderson · Answer

How is the print work being output? Is the original artwork all vector-based or is it a mix of pixel-based and vector-based elements? Does the artwork have Pantone-based colors in it already or is that something that is being done after the CMYK conversion?

If the vector art uses transparency effects and transparency blending modes it will be more difficult to convert it from RGB to CMYK without causing visible shifts in color and contrast. RGB>CMYK conversion difficulty is increased further when gradients with transparency and transparency blending modes are involved. Sometimes all I can do with artwork like that is keep it as is and let our large format RIP application handle it.

Regarding Pantone spot colors, it's generally not a good idea to use Pantone spot colors in gradients. The one exception is if the fill is just percentage variations of the same Pantone spot color. Using Pantone spot colors on objects with transparency effects and/or transparency blending modes will yield unpredictable results.

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