Can I commit or convert my Dot Gain 20% proof view into a real grayscale image?

[Gene27167201cqus]

Hey everyone,

I’m running into a problem with Photoshop’s grayscale workflow and the “Dot Gain 20%” proof setup. I really like using the Dot Gain 20% proof because it lets me work in color while visually seeing my image as grayscale, and I can color-pick the the original image's colors while painting in grayscale = when i turn off the dot gain i get the colored version.

The issue:

When I try to export or commit what I see in the Dot Gain 20% proof (for example convert to a true grayscale file), there doesn’t seem to be a direct way to “bake” that look into my image. If I use things like “Hue/Saturation > Saturation: 0” to switch to grayscale, the values don’t match what I see in Dot Gain 20%. It’s not the same as the proof view.

I know I could take a screenshot, but that loses detail and resolution (especially for large images).

I’d rather have a way to commit or export exactly what I see, with the Dot Gain 20% proof applied, at full resolution.

Questions:

1. Is there a direct way to “apply” or flatten the Dot Gain 20% proof view, so what I see is what I get in my exported image?
2. If not, is there a reliable workaround (script, filter, color profile hack, or export method) that can give me the same result without having to stitch screenshots?

I appreciate any tips or hacks you all have! Thanks so much.

[Stephen Marsh]

@Gene27167201cqus 

1) The settings used in proof setup can be applied in the convert to profile command.

2) The save as dialog has a checkbox to save/convert using your proof settings.

P.S. For your stated purposes, I would use gray gamma 2.2

[D Fosse]

The dot gain profiles aren't really applicable anymore. Historically they are generic offset print profiles, but today you would use the K component in the appropriate CMYK profile, for a much more precise match to actual print result.

In RGB, if you want to match color and B&W versions, use a grayscale profile that has the same tone response curve as the RGB profile you're using:

sRGB / Display P3 = sGray

Adobe RGB = Gray gamma 2.2

ProPhoto = Gray gamma 1.8

Photoshop color manages grayscale fully, so you won't see any difference there. But most other applications don't, and there you will see any mismatch in tone curves. For standalone use, I'm with Stephen - use Gray gamma 2.2.