Need to convert a transparant file to CMYK

[Cicely21763980xcpy]

Hi all,

I have two .png files (that were originally .svg) that I need to convert to CMYK for printing. I need to retain the transparent areas.

Does anyone know if this is possible in InDesign, or if I need a different programme, how to do it? 

Thanks 

[Willi Adelberger]

Images should normally be in RG with profile in printing document.

But your image is a graphic. Never use PNG for printing.

Open your SVG in Illustrator, save as AI or PDF/X-4. In Illuustrator you can change the mode to CMYK and clean up the colors.

[rob day]

Hi @Cicely21763980xcpy , if you have the original vector .svg, you can open the .svg into Illustrator, and set the File>Document Color Mode to CMYK, edit the vectors to your desired CMYK values, and Save As Illustrator .ai format. Do not include a color profile if you don’t want the CMYK values to be adjusted via color management down stream.

If all you have is .PNG. you can open it into Photoshop, convert to CMYK without flattening, and Save As .PSD. InDesign and Photoshop share the same color management, so you can also place the .PNG and make the conversion to CMYK on Export to PDF by setting a CMYK Destination in the Export>Output tab, which will convert all of the document RGB colors and objects to the chosen CMYK space.

[Cicely21763980xcpy]

Ah thank you! The only problem I have now is that when I've exported the PDF, an X from the frame around the .PNG (created within InDesign) is visible? Image attached - first one is the PDF, second one is what it looks like within InDesign.

[Cicely21763980xcpy]

Sorry - it's uploaded them the other way around. The one with the link on the frame is the InDesign screenshot

[rob day · Accepted solution]

Looks like it might be a “stitching” artifact from transparency flattening. Does it happen if you export using the PDF/X-4 preset?

[Cicely21763980xcpy]

You're right - sorted with PDF/X-4. Thanks so much.

[Willi Adelberger]

I don't see a x.

What hinders you to open the svg in Illustrator?