P: Embed Color Profile Off by Default, does not Embed with "Save" for PNG files

[IanPark]

1. Version of the app: Photoshop v24.0.1
2. Platform and OS version: macOS Monterey v12.5.1
3. Basic steps to reproduce the problem:
   • Open Untagged RGB PNG image
   • Edit > Convert to Profile... > sRGB
   • File > Save
   • File > Close
4. Expected result and actual result: 
   • Reopen file
   • Expected: file should retain color profile (needs to be embedded)
   • Result: color profile has not been embedded, remains untagged
   • Work Around: File > Save As... - allows you to check the embed profile box
   • Solution: emed profile box should be checked by default as in Photoshop v23
   • Embed via saving with a script may also not be working currently.

[thedigitaldog]

So yes, I do see this (Result: color profile has not been embedded, remains untagged). But there is also a fundamental issue in the steps. Open untagged RGB PNG fine. You really now should Assign the Working Space to that data and then convert to sRGB. 

Then save, and if you reopen it, the embedded profile does stick. 

However, what you report isn't what I'd consider correct or ideal! The untagged image should be assumed to be in the RGB Working Space you have selected in your Color Settings. In my case, that is ProPhoto RGB and that is used when I try your steps and then convert to sRGB. Of course, if the data isn't in ProPhoto RGB, this 'assumption' leads to very ugly color. 

I'm going to vote it a bug, the product shouldn't (not) embed the profile after a conversion. Good catch. But it might be worth testing whereby you do this:

• Open Untagged RGB PNG image
• Edit > Assign Profile... > sRGB (if that's the right profile for the data).
• File > Save
• File > Close

The team needs to know if, like me, this works for you and then maybe they can explain if using your steps (Convert from Untagged) is an excuse for not tagging the data (I think not). 

[thedigitaldog]

What is also odd is this only happens with PNGs! If I do the same test using a JPEG, the profile is embedded. Why is PNG only affected?

I've filed an internal bug report but this open forum report is still useful and others should test and provide feedback too.

[IanPark]

Good call, thanks for mentioning those other conversion options. So far I have tried:

• Edit > Convert to Profile...
• Edit > Assign Profile...
• Turning on Missing Profiles - Ask When Opening in Color Settings 
  • Assign working RGB
  • Assign profile

For each of these options I've Saved, Closed, and Re-opened the file. The color profile remains unembedded for every possible route, and always remained Untagged RGB on re-opening!

[Jeffrey Tranberry]

Engineering is investigating.