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April 28, 2026
Question

Warning: "The preset specifies source profiles that don't match the current color settings file. Profiles specified by the color settings file will be used."

  • April 28, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 15 views

I just installed InDesign (planning to make a book for print). When trying to export to PDF, I always get this warning (in the Export Adobe PDF dialog, see screenshots below):


"The preset specifies source profiles that don't match the current color settings file. Profiles specified by the color settings file will be used."


I get this warning even when trying to export a single page document with no content. I am new to InDesign, but I have used Photoshop for 15-20 years and have a good working knowledge of color management.

What is the warning trying to tell me? And how can I fix this?


I am using the standard [High Quality Print] export profile (changing no settings). In the Output section I have Color Conversion set to “No Color Conversion” (no “source profiles” here).


What is meant by “the current color settings file”? Where can I find/edit this file?


Here is a detailed description of what I am doing before getting to this warning:

Adobe InDesign version: 21.3 x64
Windows 11 version 25H2 (OS Build 26200.8246)

  • Start InDesign
  • Check “Color Settings”:

 

  • Make a new file: click “New file”  >  Print…  >  A4, 1 page  >  “Create”
  • File  >  Export…
  • Save as type: “Adobe PDF (Print) (*.pdf)”
  • Save
  • Export Adobe PDF dialog:

 

    2 replies

    rob day
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    April 28, 2026

    Hi ​@jjohanson , Do you get the warning if you assign the default sRGB and US SWOP Coated profiles—check Edit>Assign Profiles… for an existing document? 

     

    I never use the default profiles and always (safely) ignore the warning.

     

     

    Abhishek Rao
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    April 28, 2026

    Hi @jjohanson,


    Thanks for reaching out with your question. Could you please go through this Adobe Help article on color management, as it explains how color settings and profiles work in InDesign and what this message refers to:
    https://adobe.ly/4ukxE5k

    Also, this similar community thread discusses the same warning and provides additional context around why it appears and how it behaves:
    https://adobe.ly/4tzc5xD


    Let me know how it goes after reviewing these.

    Abhishek