PS Spot channel export error

Forum|Forum|9 months ago
April 14, 2025
3 replies
992 views

I was doing some work using spot channels in a CMYK file and noticed Photoshop is exporting the spot channels tagged as device RGB in CMYK files. This is a bug as the export should use the document color space for tagging when needed.

I can also confirm InDesign will correctly color manage the export in both the .pdf, and .psd files. This has been easily reproduced on multiple versions of CC Photoshop and computers. I have checked CMS, preferences, and export settings. If there is a setting that is new or I have missed please let me know.

If this is intentional I would like Adobe to explain the reason for exporting files with mixed color spaces. This is a recent export error in Photoshop and does create rendering and export issues in other Adobe software. Adobe provides export warnings in some of their software (Indd, AI) about converting files with mixed color spaces and transparency outside of the software.

macOS

Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

This is a bug as the export should use the document color space for tagging when needed.

By @whimsical_glitter8109

I prefer to keep the original alternate values... Otherwise, offer the option to convert to Lab or use the document space.

Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

@whimsical_glitter8109

I'll kick this around. My expectation is that the spot colour alternate colour space would be based on the model used to define the spot colour. This could be CMYK or Lab in the case of colour book .acb files from various ink vendors.

EDIT: In the case of v2025, I can confirm that both library book spots that are based on Lab or CMYK are output as CalRGB in the PDF.

CMass

Community Manager

Hey @whimsical_glitter8109,

Thank you for reporting this issue. We’ll need a few more details to help confirm the bug. Could you please provide the following:

1. System Info—Go to Help > System Info in the app, copy and paste the results into a text file, and attach it to your reply.

2. Steps to Reproduce – Please outline the steps you're taking so we can try to replicate the issue. A screenshot of your export settings would be helpful. *A screen recording would be extra credit!

Once we have this information, either I or another team member will test it out. In the meantime, I’ll move your post back into the Discussions section.

Thanks,

^CM

W

whimsical_glitter8109Author

Participating Frequently

I have attached all the requested information. This includes, .psd, exported .pdf, system info, .joboptions export settings, and the screenshot below showing the calibrated RGB object. I would also like to add the Acrobat Pro Preflight is not flagging the calibrated RGB object.

The spot channel was created in Photoshop by going to Channels > hamburger menu > Create Spot Channel.

Please let me know if you need anything else.

[cid:image001.png@01DBAD52.BA2F09D0]

Chad Williams
[Contact details removed by moderator]

davescm

Community Expert

@whimsical_glitter8109 To attach information, please use the forum posting box. Any attachments and screenshots are stripped out of email replies so do not make it into the forum.
Thanks
Dave

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