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nicost1909897
Participating Frequently
November 7, 2018
Answered

Same colour mode in digital and print versions

  • November 7, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 1944 views

Hi everyone,

I am creating a document including various maps and graphics. This document will be available printed as well as online. I would like the colours to appear the same in both formats so I have exported the printed version in CYMK. This has muddied some of the colours compared to how they appear on screen.

However, is it possible to export a digital version in CYMK?

I had though about just putting the CYMK prink PDF online however there will be various interactive elements which I don’t think will work if I export to print.

I could also convert all my maps for the digital version to CYMK in Photoshop however this is a time consuming stage in my workflow which I would like to avoid.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Laubender

    Rob,

    Many thanks for the information and the examples that you have provided. However, they only help me create an RBG file which mimics the equivalent CYMK file. What I need is to create an interactive PDF which includes bookmarks, links, hyperlinks etc with colours which mimic the genuinely CYMK colours of the equivalent print version of the same document.

    Unfortunately your instructions only create a print file where none of the interactive elements are active.

    I didn't realise that this would be such a difficult task. Is it really not possible to export an interactive PDF with CYMK colours in InDesign?

    Thanks,

    desperate designer     


    Hi,

    export two PDFs and work on with Acrobat Pro DC.

    First export as interactive PDF with all bookmarks, links etc.pp.

    Then you export a second PDF with CMYK.

    In Acrobat Pro DC you will be able to replace all pages of the interactive PDF with all pages of the CMYK one.

    That would leave all interactive items intact.

    Regards,
    Uwe

    2 replies

    Derek Cross
    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    November 7, 2018

    You will know that CMYK has about a third less colours in than RGB, so if you want to colours to be similar you'll have to put up with the RGB version being duller, this will be particularly noticeable with bright orange and bright green. In other words, the CMYK gamut can never match RGB. The good thing is, that unless the two versions are side-by-side the viewer will never know!

    Dave Creamer of IDEAS
    Dave Creamer of IDEAS
    Community Expert
    November 7, 2018

    What format is your digital version--PDF or EPUB?

    EPUBs and interactive PDFs are output as RGB. Depending on the type of interactivity you are using, a PDF might work in CMYK.

    Color Conversion: you don't have to make to versions of the artwork--keep all your art in RGB and convert to CMYK during export (PDFX-1a) or afterwards in Acrobat Pro. If the job is being commercially printed, you could supply the RGB PDF. Many printers and and most digital output devices prefer RGB so the color conversion can be done on their end.

    Color Accuracy: It would be best if you select RGB colors that map reasonably well to CMYK, rather than forcing out-of-gamut RGB colors to CMYK. That will help to keep your digital and print versions looking the same. (Keeping in mind that you have no control over the color accuracy of the viewers' monitors.)

    David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
    N
    nicost1909897Author
    Participating Frequently
    November 7, 2018

    The digital version will be provided as a PDF. I understand that I don't have to make two versions of the artwork. It is all being created in in RBG. Unfortunately my printer has asked for a CYMK PDF so I plan to export the print version to CYMK. Therefore all the maps and various other graphics throughout the document turn slightly muddier. I am fine with this. However, I want to ensure that the same colours appear on the digital-online version.

    You mentioned that a PDF might work in CYMK. Did you mean I can make a digital version (with all the bells and whistles) in CYMK?

    Many thanks

    Derek Cross
    Derek Cross
    Community Expert
    November 7, 2018

    To convert your RGB artwork to CMYK for your printer, select PDF/X-4.

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