Color setup error

Report · Dec 30, 2024

Hi,

I was informed by the print company that I should use PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52). I went through all of the steps to download it, but when I select it in InDesign I get this error. Why is this happening and is there a way to fix it or a workaround.

Thank you very much!

Report · Dec 31, 2024

Hi @Teo116

Thank you for reaching out! You might find this similar thread helpful: InDesign CC 2017 Color Management Issue. It includes quick tips on color management in InDesign and steps to resolve related issues.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you need further assistance.

Regards,

Srishti

Report · Dec 31, 2024

@Srishti Bali Thank you for your respone, but its still not very clear how to solve this issue.

Report · Jan 02, 2025

Hi @Teo116,

Thank you for sharing the details and the screenshot! I understand how frustrating this issue can be, especially when you're working with specific color profiles like PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52).

The error you’re encountering usually happens when the color settings file or ICC profile is either not installed properly or incompatible with InDesign's current settings. Could you try the below:

1. Verify the ICC Profile Installation:

- Make sure the PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52) ICC profile is properly installed on your system.

- On Windows, ICC profiles should be placed in:
C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\color\

- On macOS, ICC profiles should be placed in:
/Library/ColorSync/Profiles/

2. Once you’ve verified that the profile is in the correct location, restart InDesign to ensure it detects the new profile.

3. Set the Correct Color Settings in InDesign:

- Go to Edit > Color Settings in InDesign.

- In the CMYK Working Space, select PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52).

- If the error still appears, it could mean that part of your color settings file has been corrupted.

4. Reset Color Settings:

- Open InDesign and hold down Shift+Ctrl+Alt (Windows) or Shift+Cmd+Option (Mac) immediately after launching the application.

- This will reset your preferences and might resolve the issue.

Reference: https://adobe.ly/403iROP

If the above doesn’t work, you can manually assign the profile to your document:

1. Open your document and go to Edit > Assign Profiles.

2. In the CMYK profile dropdown, select PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52).

3. Save the changes and proceed with your workflow.

If the problem persists even after these steps, it could be helpful to re-download the profile from the official source (like ECI or the print company’s website) and repeat the installation process.

Let me know if this resolves your issue or if you need further assistance!

Best,
Abhishek Rao

Report · Jan 02, 2025

@Abhishek Rao

Thank you for your response! I was able to get it to look like this; however, in the "settings" dropdown, I can't change it. In the example provided by the printer, they have a different value there. Does this even matter? The PSO Uncoated v3 (FOGRA52) is not selectable (doesnt appare) from the dropdown.

Thank you for your help!

Report · Jan 02, 2025

@Abhishek Rao
This is the example from the printer.
P.S. In this example, a different color profile is being used.

Report · Jan 02, 2025

Hi doubleM116,

I can understand how frustrating it is when things don't work as expected, especially when you're working on a project with a deadline! It sounds like you've been doing some great troubleshooting already.

Would you mind trying the below?

1. Let's check for any "color conflicts." Sometimes InDesign might get confused if there are other color management tools or settings interfering. Try temporarily disabling any third-party plugins or extensions that might be related to color. Also, let's create a brand new InDesign document – does the profile appear selectable there?

2. Also try a manual approach. Go to Edit > Color Settings and click on the "Load..." button in the CMYK Working Space section. Navigate to the location where you saved the PSO_Coated_V3 profile and select it.

3. Sometimes InDesign can get a little "stuck." Try holding down Shift+Ctrl+Alt (Windows) or Shift+Cmd+Option (Mac) while launching InDesign to reset its preferences. Reference: https://adobe.ly/4a2KZX1

4. The printer's example shows a slightly different setup. It would be helpful to get in touch with their technical support team. They can tell you exactly how they're handling color in their workflow, and we can make sure your settings match theirs.

Remember, color can be tricky! Ensure the PSO_Coated_V3 profile you're using is the correct one for the printer's requirements. Also, confirm that you are using same version of InDesign as them.

I'm here to help in any way I can. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Best,

Abhishek Rao

Report · Jan 02, 2025

@Abhishek Rao

I don’t have any plugins installed.
When I do it manually, I get this error: "Some parameters in the color settings file could not be used. Default values will be used instead."

However, in the printer’s example under settings, they have something different. The color profile doesn’t show up, and I only have "Custom." Might that be enough? What does it mean if it’s set to "Custom"?

Report · Jan 02, 2025

Hi doubleM116,

Thanks for the update!

1. The error message, "Some parameters in the color settings file could not be used. Default values will be used instead," typically occurs if the profile file is corrupted, incomplete, or incompatible. Please try the following:

- Re-download the PSO_Coated_V3 profile from a reliable source. The official provider or printer's website is best.

- Ensure the file is in the correct format (.icc or .csf) and placed in the appropriate directory.

For macOS: /Library/ColorSync/Profiles/

For Windows: C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\color\

Once downloaded and installed, relaunch InDesign and try loading the profile again.

2. "Custom" means no specific ICC profile is applied. Instead, InDesign uses your manually defined CMYK or RGB settings. While "Custom" can work, it's essential to match the printer’s exact requirements. Reach out to the printer and confirm. Confirm with your printer if PSO_Coated_V3 is required or if they can provide specific settings or a compatible profile.

3. Reset Color Settings: Reset to default via 'Edit > Color Settings' and select a regional preset like 'North America Prepress 2'. Then try loading the profile.

Let me know how it goes!

Best,
Abhishek Rao

Report · Jan 02, 2025

@Abhishek Rao I followed all of the steps. Still no success.

On thing that came to mind: it seems like the color profile that i need to download is pretty old. Might this be the issue?

Report · Jan 02, 2025

Hi doubleM116,

Thanks for the update!

It’s possible the older profile might have compatibility issues. Please try this:

1. Paste the Profile
Place the unzipped .icc or .csf file into these directories:

- /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Color/Settings/Recommended

- /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Color/Profiles/Recommended

2. Restart
Restart your system and InDesign after making these changes.

3. Retest
Try loading the profile again and check if it resolves the issue.

Let me know how it works!

Best,
Abhishek Rao

Report · Jan 03, 2025

@Abhishek Rao

I was able to figure it out! However, I was told that I also needed to do this:
Once the data is exported, verify that the profile used is the same as Fogra52.

How do I check this? It's not very clear to me.

CC @Mike Witherell, @Srishti Bali

Report · Jan 02, 2025

In the Color Settings dialog box, the printer made an example for you. You already installed and chose the PSO...icc profile, so good. The only next thing to do is click on Save... and name the CSF file. CSF stands for Color Settings File and is a listing of what icc profiles will be employed for RGB and CMYK. The printer's example that you have shown has them simply typing in a name in the Save... sub-dialog box. They simply named it the same as the PSO icc profile they are recommending you use. You can name it anything. They simply imitated the name of the color profile. Now, while you can do this whole procedure in InDesign > Color Settings, I think it is more thorough to set this up in Photoshop > Color Settings and then visit Bridge > Color Settings in order to "send it forth" to synchronize into InDesign, Illustrator, and (sorta) Acrobat. Restart all apps for good measure and re-load your document, and you should be off to the races.

Mike Witherell

Report · Jan 02, 2025

Hi @Teo116 ,

the printer wants a PSO Coated V3 profile.

And NOT an uncoated one.

Did the printer provide a *.csf file?

That should contain everything you need to get this job done correctly.

Make the *.csf file available here in the forum; provide a download link from a dropbox account or a similar service and we can see into the issue.

Thanks,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Expert )

Report · Jan 02, 2025

@Laubender
Thank you for your response! For my project I need uncoated. The image is just an exmple on their website. They dint provide a .csf file. What is that and how is it different to Icc?

Report · Jan 02, 2025

Hi @Teo116 ,

a csf file contains everything. An ICC color profile file PLUS all other options you can save with e.g. PhotoShop when you set up a new condition how color should be managed. So I would ask for a *.csf file from the printers.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Expert )