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mattjenkins81
Participant
March 19, 2024
Answered

CMYK / Black and White images in InDesign

  • March 19, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 1078 views

I have been provided some RGB TIFF files which are destined for an offset press for some magazine work. My workflow is setup to keep files RGB and on export to PDF-X1 and conversion (preserve numbers) to profile ISO Coated v2 300.

 

I've used these settings before without much issue, but the latest job includes some fine art black and white RGB images which ideally need to be kept as close as possible to the original. I have noticed previously blacks can flatten out on this profile. Maybe I'm overthinking this, but is there any things I need to specifically look out for, any tips would be much appreciated? 

 

Thanks

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer rob day

    Finally, would you suggest keeping in RGB or converting the files to CMYK, or does it not matter, the printers will be getting print-ready CMYK PDF either way.

     

    The PDF/X-1a Export preset forces all color into the Output>Destination CMYK profile, so you can place RGB and the conversion will be to document CMYK. the only reason for making the conversion in Photoshop would be to make a post conversion CMYK color correction.

    2 replies

    rob day
    Community Expert
    rob dayCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 19, 2024

    My workflow is setup to keep files RGB and on export to PDF-X1... I have noticed previously blacks can flatten out on this profile

     

    Hi @mattjenkins81 , Are you sure the printer is letting your PDF/X-1a CMYK values output unchanged without any additional conversions on their end?

     

    If you are sure your values are being output to the plates, you can use Separation Preview to check the image’s black point. You want to make sure the image black point approaches the ISO Coated 300% total ink limit:

     

     

     

     

    M
    mattjenkins81Author
    Participant
    March 19, 2024

    @Willi Adelberger Thanks for the response. I can't work with K-only on these as the background artwork will be colour, if it was just the product then I think that could have been an option. That said, I'd be interested to know what you mean when you say "1c has no support of Color Management." and also using K-only to me sounds counter-intuitive if trying to achieve a rich black on the output, but maybe I misunderstood. 

     

    @rob day Thank you for the response, yes I have confirmed with the printer the RIP is 'optimised' for the colour profile mentioned, I take that to mean they don't do any further conversions. Great, thanks for the tip, I'll check the separations and ink limits on the images.

     

    Finally, would you suggest keeping in RGB or converting the files to CMYK, or does it not matter, the printers will be getting print-ready CMYK PDF either way. 

    rob day
    Community Expert
    rob dayCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    March 19, 2024

    Finally, would you suggest keeping in RGB or converting the files to CMYK, or does it not matter, the printers will be getting print-ready CMYK PDF either way.

     

    The PDF/X-1a Export preset forces all color into the Output>Destination CMYK profile, so you can place RGB and the conversion will be to document CMYK. the only reason for making the conversion in Photoshop would be to make a post conversion CMYK color correction.

      Willi Adelberger
      Community Expert
      Willi AdelbergerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      March 19, 2024

      Use greyscale images as K-only files. 1c has no support of Color Management. This is ok. 1c does not mean black, it gets with TIFF and PSD the area color of the image when you select it with the direct selection tool. So you can also apply a rich black or with another frame color a toned white.

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