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I
ibexx
Known Participant
September 27, 2009
Answered

Transparency in CMYK color mode

  • September 27, 2009
  • 3 replies
  • 48657 views

Windows XP Pro, Photoshop CS3

It seems  that one can only retain background transparency if image file is saved in PNG or GIF file format. It also seems that one cannot save to these file formats if graphic is in CMYK color mode - one must be in RBG mode to do so. How can I retain image with transparency in CMYK color?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Gyno-jiz

    Why don't you just stick with the native PSD format? I don't understand why you feel the need to go with PNG and GIF. PSD, PDF or TIF seem like more appropriate file formats. Explaining a little more about your end goals might give us more hints as to the best solution for you.

    3 replies

    eliyah
    eliyah
    Known Participant
    September 2, 2018

    Hi.

    If Tiff doesn't bother you - just stick with psd, they r both heavy formats, and I think  psd is more handy and proper.

    I find it more fun to work with lighter formats linking stuff into illustrator, thats why I was wondering if you can have png in cmyk, but it seems like you can't.

    Silkrooster
    Silkrooster
    Legend
    September 2, 2018

    This thread is 9 years old. It is also solved. There are times when tiff makes sense. Like being able to see the thumbnail in file explorer or finder. Some software can read tiff but not psd. However if majority of the software is from Adobe, then psd does make sense.

    In the end it is up to each user to decide on what works best for them.

    eliyah
    eliyah
    Known Participant
    September 3, 2018

    well, I came across the thread, despite it's 9 years old and am I glad I did, so I guess it's still relevant.

    Although, there's no solution for the problem, it's helful for people who are still looking up (and will be) these issues.

    the_wine_snob
    the_wine_snob
    Inspiring
    September 27, 2009

    Which formats are failing for you? I do this in both .PSD and PS .PDF all of the time, and CMYK color mode do not affect anything.

    Good luck,

    Hunt

    [Edit] Oops - answered. When I replied, I only saw J's first reply, and then the rest showed up after I posted. Glad you got it sorted. Now, off to the Forum Comments forum to complain...

    Message was edited by: the_wine_snob - Added [Edit]

    G
    Gyno-jiz
    Inspiring
    September 27, 2009

    PSD, PDF or TIF. Retain transparency for what?

    I
    ibexxAuthor
    Known Participant
    September 27, 2009

    I am starting with a TIF image in RBG color mode, a tree with grass in the background and foreground for example. I would like to eliminate the grass, make that background and foreground transparent with the background eraser tool so that only the tree remains and that when the tree is superimposed on a second image the background and foreground surrounding the tree will be that second image. In order to make the background and foreground of the tree transparent I have to save the file in GIF or PNG format since transparency doesn't seem work with TIF files however I cannot convert the GIF or PNG files from RBG to CMYK. CMYK doesn't seem work with those file types.

    From: J Maloney

    Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2009 4:00 PM

    To: Todd Beckerman

    Subject: Transparency in CMYK color mode

    PSD, PDF or TIF. Retain transparency for what?

    G
    Gyno-jizCorrect answer
    Inspiring
    September 27, 2009

    Why don't you just stick with the native PSD format? I don't understand why you feel the need to go with PNG and GIF. PSD, PDF or TIF seem like more appropriate file formats. Explaining a little more about your end goals might give us more hints as to the best solution for you.

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