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Linds1234
Known Participant
Feb 24, 2026 9:39 PM UTC
Answered

Ensuring an ICC Profile-Based Conversion

If aiming to change Pantone Lab values within an image file into process color (CMYK or RGB) via an ICC profile conversion in Photoshop, should the image simply have an assigned profile, or should it be converted to profile before conversion? In other words, how do I ensure the ICC profile is being used for the conversion of Lab to process color?

    D Fosse
    D FosseCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Feb 24, 2026 11:19 PM UTC

    Photoshop always uses the specified target icc profile in a conversion from Lab. If the pantone has a Lab definition, it’s a straightforward conversion (Edit > Convert to Profile).

    4 replies

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 25, 2026 1:24 AM UTC

    Do you actually have spot colour channels defined using Lab values?

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    Linds1234
    Linds1234Author
    Known Participant
    Feb 25, 2026 7:46 PM UTC

    Yes.

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    D Fosse
    Community Expert
    D FosseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    Feb 24, 2026 11:19 PM UTC

    Photoshop always uses the specified target icc profile in a conversion from Lab. If the pantone has a Lab definition, it’s a straightforward conversion (Edit > Convert to Profile).

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    Linds1234
    Linds1234Author
    Known Participant
    Feb 25, 2026 7:50 PM UTC

    Okay. Thanks! So, ensure it has been converted to profile before the change.

    Then I can either merge the spot channel with the process channels, or copy the spot channel graphics to the process layers and delete the spot channel, correct?

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