Skip to main content
S
smallsky
Known Participant
February 18, 2025
Answered

Color profile for a design that is not known where it will be printed.

  • February 18, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 1175 views

Hello everyone.

 

I am planning to create various printable designs using Illustrator and sell them on an online site. I don't know if consumers will print these designs with their home printers or somewhere else. Also, consumers may be in very different places like USA, Europe. In this case, which profile should I create the design in (currently Coated FOGRA39) and should I select "high quality print" or "press quality" when exporting the design as a pdf? Or should I create another setting that is specially created as "include all profiles" or something else? I am confused. Should I check "embed icc profile" when exporting this design as a jpeg again?
On the other hand, is it unnecessary to send the design directly as a pdf along with the jpeg? I think it can be printed in the desired size this way, and yet, I am planning to send separate sizes in a single pdf, is this unnecessary? In terms of jpeg/pdf, I see that some designers put the jpegs in the pdf, if I understand correctly. What is the reason for putting JPEGs in PDF?

 

Your answers are very valuable. I thank you in advance for your time and I wish you good work and a good day.

Correct answer Ton Frederiks

CMYK generally limits your colors, RGB is the better choice for an unknow output process.

2 replies

Ton Frederiks
Community Expert
Ton FrederiksCommunity Expert
Community Expert
February 18, 2025

It is always better to keep vector as vector which is the case when you use PDF.

If you need to use jpeg, always use an RGB jpeg since some applications don't know about the existence of a CMYK jpeg and will give unexpected colors.

    S
    smallskyAuthor
    Known Participant
    February 18, 2025

    Thank you very much for your answer.

    Ton Frederiks
    Community Expert
    Ton FrederiksCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 3, 2025

    Glad to hear that helped.

    Ton Frederiks
    Community Expert
    Ton FrederiksCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 18, 2025

    If your target is consumers printers, I would suggest to work in RGB. Most printers will convert your CMYK file to RGB anyway and then convert to their specific ink/paper setting.

    Because you don't know the printer, I would go for sRGB.

    High quality print would be the best choice since most consumers do not have a printing press at home.

      S
      smallskyAuthor
      Known Participant
      February 18, 2025

      Thank you very much for your explanatory answer. I understand. So, if the consumer prints at a print shop, will there be a difference in the print for a black and white design?

      Ton Frederiks
      Community Expert
      Ton FrederiksCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 20, 2025

      Thank you. I appreciate all your responses and help!


      Thanks, glad to hear that was helpful.

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices