Transparency in CMYK color mode

[ibexx]

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?

[Gyno-jiz]

PSD, PDF or TIF. Retain transparency for what?

[ibexx]

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?

[Gyno-jiz · Accepted solution]

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.

[ibexx]

The link you gave me, http://forums.adobe.com/servlet/JiveServlet/showImage/12244/Picture-1.png, answered my question. I didn't' realize that you could "Save Transparency" in a TIF file until I saw the image in this link. (I am a relatively inexperienced at Photoshop). Thanks so much.

[Silkrooster]

Since his reply gave you the answer, you should mark this thread answered and give him the credits.

[ibexx]

Silkrooseter,

I am more than happy to give J Maloney recognition for the solution to my problem and close the case. I have already indicated that he gave me a correct answer and thanked him in a reply to his solution. How can I do more and how can I close out the case?

ibexx

[eliyah]

cause its heavy

[the_wine_snob]

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]

[eliyah]

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]

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]

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.

[Silkrooster]

Hmm, I think you may have taken offense to what I wrote. As that was not the intention and my apologies if it came across that way.

I mentioned that it is an old thread and is solved to let you know if you have a question, you are better off creating a new thread. Because it is marked correct, not very many people will read your post and answer you.

Because it is marked correct we must assume is solved. Feel free to create a new thread if you don't get anywhere in this one.

[D Fosse]

No solution indeed, if the problem is lack of CMYK support in the PNG file format specification.

PNG is a format intended for web. It was never intended for anything print-related, that's not what PNG is supposed to do.

You pick the appropriate file format according to your purpose. If you need CMYK, use TIFF. It's as simple as that. If bandwidth is a serious consideration, you might even use jpeg.