Photo files (PS) transition to Mixam for printing picture book. Process the PS jpgs to CMYK?

Forum|Forum|7 months ago
August 16, 2025
5 replies
464 views

I'm getting ready to order some initial review copies of my picture book documentary. It's 120 pages, landscape 11x8.5, with 141 photos, with .5" to 1" borders, so no bleed issues. I've been packaging the file for my own review of the PDFs. All photos are PS (jpgs), 300 ppi or greater. Ok, there's a single color map (think Google maps) that's 288 ppi. My understanding is that I should do the CMYK transition myself before sending the PDF. I intend to derive the final PDF from a packaging operation. Am I on the right track? Obviously the quality of the photography is paramount as the colors are vivid and sharp.

Print

Correct answer Randy Hagan

This is one of those instances where you want to ask your print rep before you do any conversion.

As Bob offers, you may well want to leave your images in RGB because the CMYK conversion clips a significant amount of color range that can diminish the quality of your carefully curated images. And as Peter says, color conversion/correction should be left to your printer's prepress department because they likely have more sophisticated tools for doing that. Plus, your printer's tools are generally tailored to the best reproduction capabilities of the shop's equipment.

Your print rep may say "Sure, knock yourself out." But I'd be kind of surprised if he or she did. The more likely answer from most commercial full-color printers is "Let us take care of that for you." Just order a contract proof to ensure that the color reproduction that shop promises is what it actually delivers. Even if that's extra cost, it's solid insurance for getting the results you expect for producing your books. And don't sign off if you're not happy, or willing, to accept what that printer is prepared to deliver.

Hope this helps,

Randy

G

George DeLucaAuthor

Known Participant

Just want to thank you guys again. My first post here requested advice on how to format the photos. That carried me to this point, as I now pepare to order books, starting with a proof. So this is my second, and hopefully last post regarding this particular book. You guys are awesome!

Thanks again,

George

Randy Hagan

Correct answer

Community Expert

This is one of those instances where you want to ask your print rep before you do any conversion.

As Bob offers, you may well want to leave your images in RGB because the CMYK conversion clips a significant amount of color range that can diminish the quality of your carefully curated images. And as Peter says, color conversion/correction should be left to your printer's prepress department because they likely have more sophisticated tools for doing that. Plus, your printer's tools are generally tailored to the best reproduction capabilities of the shop's equipment.

Your print rep may say "Sure, knock yourself out." But I'd be kind of surprised if he or she did. The more likely answer from most commercial full-color printers is "Let us take care of that for you." Just order a contract proof to ensure that the color reproduction that shop promises is what it actually delivers. Even if that's extra cost, it's solid insurance for getting the results you expect for producing your books. And don't sign off if you're not happy, or willing, to accept what that printer is prepared to deliver.

Hope this helps,

Randy

G

George DeLucaAuthor

Known Participant

Hi Bob,

Thanks for clarifying about keeping images in tagged RGB. One thing I want to be sure on: when delivering to a printer like Mixam, is it best practice to just export a press-ready PDF (e.g. PDF/X-4) from InDesign, or should I be sending them the full packaged InDesign files with linked images? What method/settings will give me the best quality images as possible.

Best,
George

Peter Spier

Community Expert

the first rule of preparing for print is "ask the printer." The print provider should be providing instructions for exactly waht they want from you.

Most printers with up-to-date workflows are glad to accept PDF/X-4, but in some places finding a printer with modern equipment can be challenging, if not impossible, so check their website for file prep instructions, and if they don;t have any, ask a rep. If they can't tell you exactly what they want (and that means if the rep say convert everything to cmyk and has no idea of the correct color profile, among other things) you should choose another printer if you have the option, or expect less than stellar output.