Fixing Dull and Pixelated Images in InDesign with Layer Masked Photoshop Files

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
September 12, 2024
2 replies
2032 views

Hello, I'm wondering if anyone can help me with this, please.

If I mask an image in Photoshop, the quality massively reduces when I place that image in InDesign. It loses all vibrancy and is also very pixelated. I have tried converting it to a smart image, exporting it as a JPEG/ PNG, and placing it as a PSD file and nothing has changed. Also display performance is high so it's not that - the photo literally changes before my eyes as soon as it is placed. Is there any way to fix this? Thanks!

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Correct answer rob day

It loses all vibrancy

Hi @Emily28031078bx64 , A .PSD with transparency will invoke the InDesign document’s Transparency Blend Space, which by default is CMYK for print intents, and would preview an RGB image in the document’s CMYK profile. Try setting the Transparency Blend Space to RGB.

rob day

Correct answer

Community Expert

It loses all vibrancy

Hi @Emily28031078bx64 , A .PSD with transparency will invoke the InDesign document’s Transparency Blend Space, which by default is CMYK for print intents, and would preview an RGB image in the document’s CMYK profile. Try setting the Transparency Blend Space to RGB.

E

Emily28031078bx64Author

Participant

Thank you so much! This worked! I need to go back and test it with some printed assets I was working on but this has been so helpful. Thank you 🙂

rob day

Community Expert

Even if you change the blend space to RGB you have to turn on Overprint Preview in order to get a print soft proof of your colors. If the actual print destination isn't your document's CMYK profile assignment, you would have to use Proof Setup and Proof Colors for an accurate soft proof. In any case out-of-gamut RGB colors are going to shift when you print.