Converting CMYK files to RGB in Indesign

[dreamy_penguin4495]

Hi!

So I have two files and one of the files was originally set up as a print file (in CMYK) which I recently changed to an RGB file (changed in Document Settings and changed the Transparency Blend Space to RBG, re-imported all the vector graphics to RGB files) but when I export to PDF (Interactive) the colours still dull into CMYK colours. Exporting to JPEGs work though, it only happens when I export to PDF.

I have also tried to copy and paste the elements from the file into another file which was exporting my colours correctly but it still exports dull (so the other pages are okay but the page from the other file is still dull). I've checked and there's no transparency or drop shadows nor am I using PNGs in the page (it's only text and vector files which are exporting fine in my other files). I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong??

[Derek Cross]

Once they've ben converted to CMYK you've lost the range of colours, go back and use the original RGB images.

[dreamy_penguin4495]

The image files haven’t been converted to RGB and I’ve gone and re-placed (cmd+d) all of the vector files and it’s still exporting dull (even as the same vectors are exporting fine on different pages in the same file)

[rob day]

Can you post a screen capture showing the color difference?

[dreamy_penguin4495]

The colour difference. They're the same image files in the same PDF.

[rob day]

They're the same image files in the same PDF.

Are they image files or vectors? Can you package and share the problem InDesign file via dropbox?

[dreamy_penguin4495]

They're all vectors sample file here: Dropbox - sample file Folder.zip 

[rob day]

I'm not seeing the problem when I view in AcrobatPro or Reader, so maybe the problem is with your PDF viewer?

Also, I can tell the PDF in your packaged folder was not exported as an interactive PDF because Acrobat's Object Inspector shows both DeviceRGB and DeviceCMYK objects. The Interactive export forces all color into profiled ICCBased sRGB and DeviceRGB or CMYK colors are not allowed.

This is what I get with an interactive export:

http://www.zenodesign.com/forum/samplefileInteractive.pdf

[Laubender]

Hi Rob,

I also inspected Karmen's document and cannot see a problem.
Hm. Her version of InDesign is 12.0.0.81.

Cannot recall, if we had some issues with that particular version and color management.
Maybe it would help to update to 12.1.0.56 which is the most recent version of CC 2017?

Regards,
Uwe

[dreamy_penguin4495]

My CC seems to think I don't have updates? Should I get it off the website or something??

[Laubender]

Hi Karmen,

maybe it would help to log out of CC Desktop App, restart the machine, log in again so that CC Desktop App has the chance to inspect what versions are installed.

Regards,
Uwe

[rob day]

Can you show us a screen capture of your PDF Export dialog? The 2nd PDF you linked to is all DeviceRGB.

AcrobatPro and Reader can simulate the expected CMYK output of RGB objects depending on your preferences. Under Prefs>Page Display>Page Content and Information there is Use Overprint Preview. If that is set to Always your page will display RGB color as a CMYK simulation.

Also, in AcrobatPro if you have the Output Preview panel open with a CMYK profile set in the Simulation drop down the preview will be a CMYK conversion.

[dreamy_penguin4495]

I changed the preferences in Acrobat and it isn't converting the colours anymore - still don't get why it was only converting it on the one page and not the others though...

[Laubender]

karmenb26863557  wrote

I changed the preferences in Acrobat and it isn't converting the colours anymore - still don't get why it was only converting it on the one page and not the others though...

Hi Karmen,

you have to understand that the colors of your PDF document did not change, only the view of the colors on the pages. So if you have a customer who set the preferences of Adobe Reader differently to yours the view could be different. You—as the producer of the PDF—will have no control on this.

Regards,
Uwe

[dreamy_penguin4495]

screenshots (thanks for your help rob)

[Jojakeem]

Not sure if you use the 'Interactive PDF' export for a specific reason? But the 'Print PDF' export has a lot more controls over color conversion and use of profiles.

Then you could start by playing around with these settings:

..or follow a tutorial about it to know what exactly happens by changing these.

[rob day]

In almost all cases exporting to Interactive PDF converts all color into ICC sRGB profiled RGB. The only way i can get your DeviceRGB (no color profile assigned) is to turn off color management in Color Settings—Emulate Adobe InDesign 2.0 CMS Off.

Have you turned off color management?

[dreamy_penguin4495]

I'm using Adobe Acrobat to view the pdf - is it a problem with acrobat? I've re-exported the file as interactive here (https://www.dropbox.com/s/zct4bgiwoia8k4n/sample%20file%20.pdf?dl=0 ) and it's still doing it when I view it

[jane-e]

Keeping images in RGB is a best practice. Read more here:

https://indesignsecrets.com/import-rgb-images-indesign-convert-cmyk-export.php

and watch David Blatner's series on www.lynda.com

InDesign: Color Management

If you are new to lynda.com, you can get a free trial. Otherwise, subscribe for a month.

Converting from cmyk to rgb does not bring back lost colors. Sorry about that.

[Jojakeem]

What export settings are you using in 'Export pdf > Output > Color conversion'?  One of the files might have another color profile attached to it, which might result in different appearance