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Question

Problems exporting RGB to CMYK

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
April 11, 2017
3 replies
4396 views

I have been given a logo and was asked to save 2 JPEGs one for print and one for the web (Pantone 294c and 543c)

I matched RGB values for both colours when exported for print and CMYK values when exported for the web, made sure that document colour mode was set to RGB when exported for web and CMYK when exported for print. I also set the right colour mode in JPEG options log when exporting my files.

As far as I know it is normal for CMYK files to look duller when compared to RGB. The problem is that when I view my files on the web the CMYK JPEGs look overly bright (see example no 1.) . Am I doing something wrong or is this normal?

1. In the example below, you can see how CMYK colour appear

2. These are RGB colours, how they should look

This topic has been closed for replies.

J

jdanek

Inspiring

As far as I know it is normal for CMYK files to look duller when compared to RGB. The problem is that when I view my files on the web the CMYK JPEGs look overly bright (see example no 1.) . Am I doing something wrong or is this normal?

1. In the example below, you can see how CMYK colour appear

2. These are RGB colours, how they should look

What are your RGB and CMYK working spaces in your Illustrator Color Settings? What is the Rendering Intent?

Only in certain closed loop work spaces would you use RGB for print and that would depend on the RIP and output device. I would avoid showing any CMYK swatches online. Don't forget, you are viewing color on a monitor. Each monitor, even the same exact one ( side-by-side ) will show color differently. But, looking at your examples above, something is definitely not right and it could come down to the way your monitor is generating that specific color. This appears to be a great exercise in proper color management protocols.

U

uniquesreennameAuthor

Participating Frequently

Here are my Illustrator color settings. I work from an iMac in case that makes any difference.

Anything I should change in my settings?

J

jdanek

Inspiring

Here's what I have...

...not sure, but take a look at your RGB work space and your CMYK CMPolicies. I say "not ure" because I hardly ever run into consistency problems, but try my settings to see if there is any difference in what you are trying to do.

Mike_Gondek10189183

Community Expert

Though you are allowed to save a .jpg as CMYK, best to never do that as there is no purpose for a CMYK .jpg.

Viewing the RGB jpg on an RGB monitor is fine. Expecting a CMYK file format to show correctly on an RGB monitor is not.

What are you working on a digital brand standards guide? There is likely a better way to reach your goal, but we need to know exactly what you are doing and find you a better method that working with CMYK jpegs.

U

uniquesreennameAuthor

Participating Frequently

I was given an EPS file of company logo and was asked to export two JPEGs one for print and one for the web.

As far as I am aware CMYK colour mode is for print and RGB for the web.

Here is what I did when exported JPEG for print (see below). I did exactly the same thing in RGB mode when exporting for the web. Is this correct way of doing it?

Mike_Gondek10189183

Community Expert

Whomever asked you for a CMYK .jpeg for print was mistaken. You absolutely need to get the correct information from them, as this logo might be printing in 2 spot color stations rather than tints of CMYK. 2 spots would be seen as a higher color quality for a logo, than 4 process colors used to make 2 colors.

If they do not know what they need, ask them what they are using this for or the name of the printer. I try to guide people away from the antiquated .EPS format and Monika has written an excellent article on the topic.

Illustrator: EPS - the zombie among file formats

Monika Gause

Community Expert

Why do you export JPEG for print?

When exporting for the web, convert to RGB.

CMYK files don't belong on the web.

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