What am I doing wrong - color with printing

Question

I can't seem to get color right with printed artwork. I am using a MacBook Pro, my display is supposed to reflect the colors pretty accurately but somehow every time I print the colors are off. I'm going to detail my whole process here, maybe someone can let me know what I'm doing wrong.

1) I downloaded this file - https://www.freepik.com/premium-psd/moodboard-polaroid-photo-mockup_14636836.htm and opened it in Photoshop. I then adjusted the color of the leaf and background

2) I exported the image using 'quick export as png'

3) I dragged the image into my already open Illustrator artboard. My color settings were on CYMK. I then added some more graphics.

4) I saved the file as a pdf - press quality > no color conversion. and sent it to print

5) the print came out much darker and very dull - something like the image below.

What can I do differently to fix this??

Monika Gause · Answer

The file is an RGB file, which is usually brighter. But still it is very dark. All those subtle colors cannot be expected to be printed like that. You will have to make that file with much more contrast in Photoshop.

Also: Set up your color management so that it matches the printing process. And then use the soft proof.

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