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Participant
May 9, 2018
Question

Convert RGB image to CMYK and match blacks to rich black

  • May 9, 2018
  • 4 replies
  • 10267 views

Hi,

I'm working on a CD packaging which will be printed in 4-colour offset. I have a rich-black background over which is placed an RGB image bitmap image. On one side, the image has a opacity mask so that it fades out over the black background.

The blacks in the RGB image are virtually 0R 0G 0B which gives an overly-saturated black for printing when converted to CMYK.

How do I convert the RGB image to CMYK and lighten the blacks so that they match the rich black of the background (say 30C 30M 30Y 100K) ?

Thanks,

Dave.

This topic has been closed for replies.

4 replies

Participating Frequently
July 26, 2018

I have a similar project which sounds like it is in the same vein as yours. I am creating a huge mural with around 70 black and white portrait photos on a grid. The original photos are RGB but I am converting it to CMYK for the layout. I also want to use a rich black background in Illustrator (C=60 M=40 Y=40 K=100) to place the photos on. Every photo has a black background that needs to match the rich black background in Illustrator. Does anyone have an idea how to adjust the photos in Photoshop? Is there a colour profile that will do this automatically?

Sorry, I don't mean to hijack your question. I just thought we might have similar situations.

rob day
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 26, 2018

Does anyone have an idea how to adjust the photos in Photoshop? Is there a colour profile that will do this automatically?

Rather than trying to match the photo's black point to the Illustrator background build, why not go the other way? Get the 0|0|0 conversion to the CMYK space you are using in Illustrator and use it as the Illustrator CMYK rich black build. If the total ink isn't a problem in the Photoshop file it shouldn't be a problem in Illustrator.

Participating Frequently
July 26, 2018

Do you mean I should use an RGB colour space in Illustrator and place the photos as RGB? Then convert to CMYK for print? Sorry, I am not super clear on what you suggested.

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 10, 2018

This is one of those few cases where I might consider working in all CMYK - provided I had the actual CMYK profile. But be very careful to not exceed the total ink limit for the profile!

c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 10, 2018

What is the exact CMYK black?

What are the RGB and CMYK Spaces?

Please post a screenshot of the image.

Depending on the image’s content you may need to correct in the separated file.

JonathanArias
Legend
May 9, 2018

why not work in indesign. place your art. make the flat black in indesign export print .pdf and allow indesign do to the converting?