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December 18, 2016
Question

Please Help! How can I keep my CMYK image from converting to sRGB?

  • December 18, 2016
  • 2 replies
  • 1854 views

I am attempting to export an image in CMYK color space and every time I export it, it's still in SRGB.

I've gone into File>Export>Export As  and turned off the Convert to sRGB, but still no luck. Is there somewhere else I'm missing?

In Image>Mode, I've chosen CMYK as well as in Edit>Color Settings

Please help!! I need a CMYK for a client and don't know how to get accurate colors and export it otherwise.

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2 replies

Derek Cross
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 18, 2016

If your client has asked for CMYK, then that's what you have to give him/her, but that's the worst possible choice of color mode to supply anyone as it limits the image's potential optimum quality.

gener7
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 18, 2016

Export it as Jpeg or save as a tiff. If you select png, it will go back to RGB.

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 18, 2016

Yes, Gene is right - the PNG format was developed specifically for web and therefore doesn't support CMYK.

By extension - why would you "Export" to CMYK? You'd use "Save As" here. CMYK is for offset print only, while Export is intended for web and screen use.

I need a CMYK for a client and don't know how to get accurate colors

If you need accurate color, you also need to know which CMYK profile specifically. There is no such thing as "generic" CMYK. The Photoshop default just happens to be US Web Coated SWOP, which may not be the right one.