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RGB/CMYK for print

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
May 17, 2017
2 replies
10581 views

Hey everyone, I have some photos in an InDesign file for print that are in RGB mode. When I export to a cmyk pdf is it going to convert the photos or do I need to edit each photo that is still in rgb?

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Correct answer Derek Cross

Keep the documents in RGB. If you use an inkjet printer select from the InDesign Acrobat PDF Presets, High Quaity Print. For commercial litho/digital printing select PDF/X-4 (unless your Prnter had supplied a spec).

S

Steve K Walker

Inspiring

Exporting as PDF/X-4 is not enough to get good results.

If you pick the wrong colour profile you could end up with a very poor result. PDF/X-4 won't save you.

Much more importantly you need to know which colour profile will be best for the printer who will be handling the final file (it's always best to ask the printer but from my experience FOGRA39 gives the best conversion from RGB to CMYK under most circumstances).

InDesign will then convert from RGB to CMYK using the specified profile (just the same as converting from RGB to CMYK in Photoshop would do).

But be careful - in most instances leaving InDesign to do the conversion will suffice.

However if you had images that you wanted the absolute best results from, then I would suggest converting in Photoshop.

This would allow you to evaluate each conversion individually and apply further corrections once the conversion has happened (if required).

If you need more info I will be happy to provide.

E

elena6969

Participant

Hi Steve I was reading your answer on convertion of colors because I would like to know how to do it. I have to convert the color from RGB to CMYK when creating my PDF from an Indesign file.

So from Output I have to choose "Color conversion - Convert to destination - Coated FOGRA39".

That's it the PDF will automatically convert my photos from RGB to CMYK. Is it? Thanks and sorry to jump in but information on Adobe page are too complex. Elena

jmlevy

Community Expert

So from Output I have to choose "Color conversion - Convert to destination - Coated FOGRA39".

You need to know the destination profile and choose it. Your print shop should be able to tell you what profile you must use.

That's it the PDF will automatically convert my photos from RGB to CMYK. Is it?

Yes, that's right.

Derek Cross

Correct answer

Community Expert

Keep the documents in RGB. If you use an inkjet printer select from the InDesign Acrobat PDF Presets, High Quaity Print. For commercial litho/digital printing select PDF/X-4 (unless your Prnter had supplied a spec).

C

chriso123Author

Participant

ok cool, so the pdf will still print properly?

Derek Cross

Community Expert

These settings will give you the best chance, though there are things, such as colour management, which will contribute to you "printing properly".

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