Difference between color profile in "color settings" and export profile

[Improving]

Hi,

I am new to design/illustrations .... and for a print company should create a PSOuncoated_V3 (fogra52) color profile for our project (will then be exported as pdf).

I have installed the .icc profile (under windows) but am just wondering what the difference is between the "color profile", that I need to set up and when I am exporting a pdf, where I can select the output and now (without having change anything in the color profile) already pick the PSOuncaoted_V3. So why am I also needing the color profile and what does it mean for all my other projects?

Thanks!

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

The working profile that you set up in the color settings, determines how Illustrator works with color and displays it while you are working with the file. The profile you embed when exporting should match what the print company tells you. The 2 profiles do not need to be the same, but it helps you if they are. 

Usually you will not convert CMYK numbers when saving a PDF (even when exporting to a different color profile). But nevertheless after exporting the PDF, open it in Acrobat and check it.