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marcZ89
marcZ89
Inspiring
May 4, 2018
Answered

Import TIFF file in InDesign loses its transparency

  • May 4, 2018
  • 5 replies
  • 26478 views

Hi everyone,

I created a barcode in RGB with a library in Objective-C. Then I convert it to CMYK colorspace using ImageMagick.

The converted graphic shows transparency when putting it in Photoshop, but not in InDesign..

It has the alpha channel. If I open it in Photoshop, save it FROM photoshop to TIFF and import in InDesign, then the transparency appears.

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

How do you get the .icc profile separately? I could not found it when saving as... the photoshop file with embedded profile checked/


You can use Color Settings>Working CMYK>Custom CMYK to set the Max Black  Generation and then use Save CMYK to save the .icc profile to one of your profile folders.

This really is doing it the hard way

5 replies

R
Raphael26781530v0cn
Participant
December 14, 2023

I know this is a very old thread, but it still pops up on google on top for me. InDesign definitely supports transparent TIFF files. But it is not enough to just safe the PDF with "transparent pixels". You have to make sure the "Save with Transparency" is ticked on, when exporting it via Photoshop. Then you dont have to add an Alpha Channel to the file. It imports fine with transparency. Hope this helps

Rishabh_Tiwari
Community Manager
Rishabh_TiwariCommunity Manager
Community Manager
December 14, 2023

Hi @Raphael26781530v0cn,

 

Thank you for reaching out and sharing the solution. I am sure it will help other community members. We really appreciate your participation in here.

Thanks
Rishabh

C
Charith Madhuranga
Participant
April 16, 2020

Hi, When you are saving in Photoshop save tiff file, click Save Transpaerncy.

 

    Willi Adelberger
    Community Expert
    Willi AdelbergerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 17, 2018

    Does the program which you use to create the barcode also support vector formats, like eps or pdf or even ai? Use them and it is easier to change it to K-only colors. The quality would be better than tiff or any pixel image. I do it always this way and get superior quality.

    rob day
    Community Expert
    rob dayCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 4, 2018

    Then I convert it to CMYK colorspace using ImageMagick

    If you set the barcode to Multiply you wouldn't need a transparent background. Also, normally a color managed conversion from RGB to CMYK would produce a 4-color black, which might be a problem if the destination is an offset press. I would think you would be better off with a grayscale conversion.

    BobLevine
    Community Expert
    BobLevineCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 4, 2018

    Did you select the save transparency option when saving the TIFF?

    marcZ89
    marcZ89Author
    Inspiring
    May 4, 2018

    My TIFF file is created from a library in Objective-C so there is not really a save transparency option, but when I preview the created barcode in Mac Preview or open it in Photoshop or Sketch, I can see the transparency. It just does not show up in InDesign when importing it.

    rob day
    Community Expert
    rob dayCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 4, 2018

    You'll have to Save As as from Photoshop. The PSD format has the advantage of Object Layer Options in InDesign.

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