Fixing Dull and Pixelated Images in InDesign with Layer Masked Photoshop Files

[Emily28031078bx64]

Hello, I'm wondering if anyone can help me with this, please.

If I mask an image in Photoshop, the quality massively reduces when I place that image in InDesign. It loses all vibrancy and is also very pixelated. I have tried converting it to a smart image, exporting it as a JPEG/ PNG, and placing it as a PSD file and nothing has changed. Also display performance is high so it's not that - the photo literally changes before my eyes as soon as it is placed. Is there any way to fix this? Thanks!

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[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Can you post a screenshot? 

[Emily28031078bx64]

I've just checked and have toggled between the different preview modes and no change... unless there is another preview mode I'm not seeing? 

[Derek Cross]

What is the Effective PPI of the image in InDesign (you can check that in the Links panel)?

Also, check the colour mode; has it changed from RGB to CMYK?

[Emily28031078bx64]

Hi, the effective PPI is 478, which is the same as the original unedited image and both are RGB. What's interesting is when I duplicate the original image and then swap one of the images out for the image with a layer mask on, both images, including the original, change to become dull and pixelated... Is it a bug?

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @Emily28031078bx64, 

I understand how frustrating it can be to see your images lose quality after placing them in InDesign, especially when working with carefully edited files.

Could you please let me know which version of InDesign you're using and the details of your operating system? This will help narrow down the potential causes.

In the meantime, few things you should consider:

1. "Ensure color profiles are consistent" between Photoshop and InDesign (e.g., sRGB or Adobe RGB). 
   
2. "Check image resolution": Ensure that the resolution in Photoshop is at least 300 ppi for print or 72 ppi for web use, and that InDesign isn’t downscaling it upon import.

3. "Try placing the PSD file directly" in InDesign without converting it to another format, making sure all layers are intact.

4. "Check your output settings": If you are preparing the file for print, make sure the export settings (e.g., Export to PDF) are set for high-quality print.

Let me know if these steps help, and feel free to share any additional details!

Best,  
Abhishek Rao

[Emily28031078bx64]

Thanks for your reply, this has been helpful. I think the transparency blend was the culprit, but it's useful to know all of these points too! Thanks for your help 🙂 

[rob day · Accepted solution]

It loses all vibrancy

Hi @Emily28031078bx64 , A .PSD with transparency will invoke the InDesign document’s Transparency Blend Space, which by default is CMYK for print intents, and would preview an RGB image in the document’s CMYK profile. Try setting the Transparency Blend Space to RGB.

[Emily28031078bx64]

Thank you so much! This worked! I need to go back and test it with some printed assets I was working on but this has been so helpful. Thank you 🙂 

[rob day]

Even if you change the blend space to RGB you have to turn on Overprint Preview in order to get a print soft proof of your colors. If the actual print destination isn't your document's CMYK profile assignment, you would have to use Proof Setup and Proof Colors for an accurate soft proof. In any case out-of-gamut RGB colors are going to shift when you print.