is adobe illustrator converting my RGB files to CMYK when exporting a pdf?

[meegee]

Hello,

I hope this is the right place to post my question. This isnt a problem but wanted confirmation that it is a new(?) feature.

I have png files in my illustrator document and exported a hi-res pdf for traditional print. Then I use Adobe Acrobat to check for anomalies etc with  Use Print Production > Output Preview . It will pick up any RGB images, spot colours etc and save my bacon. 

My last pdf didnt pick up several images (embedded png files) as RGB but saw them as CMYK. 

Is this a new feature in Illustrator (and I think Indesign too) where it will convert RGB images to CMYK if Im outputting a pdf for print?  I tried different pdf presets too and got the same result.

Thanks for your time.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @meegee,

Thanks for reaching out! Illustrator doesn't convert RGB images to CMYK by default unless your document’s color mode is set to CMYK. That could be why your embedded PNGs are showing up as CMYK in the exported PDF.

Even if your document is in RGB, some PDF export presets, especially those meant for print, can force color conversion. I'd recommend checking both your document color mode and the specific export preset you're using to see if that might be causing the shift.

Could you confirm whether your document is set to RGB or CMYK, and if you've tried using different PDF export settings? Also, it would be great if you could share a couple of screenshots showing your color settings and export preset. Please include your Illustrator version and operating system details too, so I can help you better.

Looking forward to hearing back from you!

Abhishek

[meegee]

Hi Abhishek, 
Thanks for replying to me so quickly. So Ive attached and detailed the information below.

Using :
MAcBook Pro (OS Sonoma 14.6.1)
Illustrator 29.4
Acrobat 2025 001.20438

The screenshot attachments are:
• showing you my Document Colour Mode
• showing you the linked images (all 3 are png files)
• PDF export settings (used a PDF-X-4-2008 and High Quality Printing)
• PDF Output Preview of the images (RGB channels dont appear)

Ive also got an iMac and iMacPro I can test out tomorrow too if you like.
Thanks again, much appreciated. 
Meegan

[meegee]

Hi Abhishek,

Ive just noticed there is an update for Illustrator, so will try that tonight/tomorrow and see if its been fixed.

Thanks again.
Meegan

[meegee]

HI Abhishek,

I upgraded AI and its all good. Thanks for your help!

[Ton Frederiks]

There was a bug that converted linked RGB images to CMYK, but that was solved in 29.4

• Exported PDFs incorrectly change RGB images to CMYK and affect transparency settings

Which version are you using?

[meegee]

Hi Tom, 
Thanks for the intel and replying to me so quickly. 

Using :
MAcBook Pro (OS Sonoma 14.6.1)
Illustrator 29.4
Acrobat 2025 001.20438

Ive just notice there is an upgrade for Illustrator so I will try again once I update and see what happens.

Thanks again, much appreciated. 
Meegan

[meegee · Accepted solution]

FYI - i upgraded AI and its all good. Thanks for your help!

[Ton Frederiks]

Good to hear that works now.