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Known Participant
Feb 12, 2026 5:00 PM UTC
Question

How to Export a Brochure in RGB and CMYK PDFs at Different DPI in InDesign 2026

Hi all,

 

I was wondering what’s the best way to export a brochure document in Indesign 2026. I want to make a rgb version in 171dpi and a cmyk version in 300dpi. Whats the correct way to do this? I have one document now in rgb. Can i do this by only use the pdf export settings, that would be a fast way.


Hope anyone can help?

 

    6 replies

    Willi Adelberger
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 12, 2026 8:43 PM UTC
    1. Use RGB images in UnDesign.
    2. Text and vectors make in CMYK.
    3. Use the correct transparency blending space.
    4. For print export a PDF with 300ppi (not dpi!) and convert images to output space, for MYK keep numbers.
    5. For RGB export a setting to convert RGB.
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    Dave Creamer of IDEAS
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 12, 2026 5:13 PM UTC

    For print, PDF would be the best format. Most printers can convert RGB themselves, so you could just “Leave Color Unchanged”. Check with your printer.

    For the web, do you want people to download it and print it--or view it on screen. If the former, an RGB PDF would work fine; if the latter, export as a PNG.

     

    Are you looking for PDFs to use?

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    David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
    Known Participant
    Feb 12, 2026 5:27 PM UTC

    Yes, i would like to make pdfs with some videos in it, so export to interactive pdf

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    stefaniedesigns
    leo.r
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 12, 2026 5:31 PM UTC

    @leo.r 

    Yes, i would like to make pdfs with some videos in it, so export to interactive pdf

     

    may i suggest abandoning this idea as videos won’t work in PDF.

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    leo.r
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 12, 2026 5:12 PM UTC

    In short, yes: you can control the PDF color and resolution by simply changing your PDF export settings.

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