Different black level exporting linked InDesign file

[commworkw34955591]

Hi community!

I have an InDesign document where another InDesign document is linked. If I'm exporting the file to a PDF the black level is a different one (a mix of CMYK) as exporting the linked document as a single PDF (0 0 0 100). 

Do you know how to solve this problem?

Thanks and best regards!

[Peter Spier]

Could be a color space mismatch between the linked file and the document. What are your color settings in each file?

[rob day · Accepted solution]

Make sure both documents have the same CMYK profile assignment—Edit>Assign Profiles>CMYK Profile... (not Color Settings>Working Spaces>CMYK, which could be different). When you Export use a default PDF/X preset, or make sure the Export>Output>Destination is set to Document CMYK. 

When checking the CMYK values, use AcrobatPro with the Output Preview’s Simulation profile set to the same InDesign document CMYK profile.

[Peter Spier]

Color settings could also be affecting how mismatches are handled, though, no?

[rob day · Accepted solution]

Hi Peter, if you set the Color Settings’ CMYK Color Mangement Policy to Preserve Numbers (Ignore Linked Profiles) any future documents you create would ignore the color profiles embedded in placed objects, including placed ID docs, and there would be no profile conflict. But the CM policies get saved with the document, so changing the Color Settings’ CM policy wouldn’t affect an existing document and its Links.

To change an existing document’s policy you would have to close the document, change the policy, check Ask When Opening, reopen the document and follow the change prompts.

[Peter Spier]

Right, but I think it might be important for the OP to be sure he has preserve numbers set as his default.