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Vivacious_Flower0D44
Participating Frequently
March 30, 2023
Answered

CMYK TO DUOTONE

  • March 30, 2023
  • 4 replies
  • 2085 views

Hi, I have a bunch of cmyk images (312) that were originally duotones (Black + pantone). Now I need them back to duotone, since the client only provided cmyk files, i've been trying to separate black from the other channels with no luck, Does anyone know any script or action I can build to prepare those files for 2 ink printing? Any help would be apreciated! 
Here's an example: 

 

 

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Stephen Marsh

    @Vivacious_Flower0D44 

     

    Try this action:

     

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/kfh78fhkofugr09/Black%20%26%20Red%20CMYK%20Back%20to%202%20Colour.atn?dl=0

     

     

    Colour settings to achieve the same result that I did:

     

     

    Here is a visual, the upper is the original CMYK, while the lower image is the 2 colour conversion:

     

     

    Please check the results with care, particularly "scum dots" or unwanted light tints of red in black or black in red. Also check that solids are solids.

     

    You can use File > Automate > Batch to run the action over the bulk images (test on a small quantity first). You may also wish to add steps to the action to save in your preferred file format to retain the spot channel (PDF or PSD for modern Adobe apps such as InDesign).

    4 replies

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    April 1, 2023

    @Vivacious_Flower0D44 

     

    Try this action:

     

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/kfh78fhkofugr09/Black%20%26%20Red%20CMYK%20Back%20to%202%20Colour.atn?dl=0

     

     

    Colour settings to achieve the same result that I did:

     

     

    Here is a visual, the upper is the original CMYK, while the lower image is the 2 colour conversion:

     

     

    Please check the results with care, particularly "scum dots" or unwanted light tints of red in black or black in red. Also check that solids are solids.

     

    You can use File > Automate > Batch to run the action over the bulk images (test on a small quantity first). You may also wish to add steps to the action to save in your preferred file format to retain the spot channel (PDF or PSD for modern Adobe apps such as InDesign).

      V
      Vivacious_Flower0D44Author
      Participating Frequently
      April 1, 2023

      OMG, it works like charm. Thank u so much You are a lifesaver! 

      Stephen Marsh
      Community Expert
      Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      April 1, 2023
      quote

      OMG, it works like charm. Thank u so much You are a lifesaver! 


      By @Vivacious_Flower0D44

       

      You're welcome, please check the results with all due care.

       

      I'm just curious, what is the print process, lithographic, risographic etc?

      Stephen Marsh
      Community Expert
      Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      March 30, 2023

      This could be automated, however, you will need to attach the original CMYK files and please provide at least two or three that broadly represent the range of images to convert. Also, please provide a sample if there are any that are very different in structure to the other images as this will be a one size fits all approach and any outliers will of course result in a poor result.

        V
        Vivacious_Flower0D44Author
        Participating Frequently
        March 31, 2023

        Hi @Stephen Marsh thanks for ur answer, my editor refuses to share any of the original files, size is the same for all images so the issue is still the same, 2 colors convertet to cmyk that need to be isolated, if ur still willing to help here's anothe example... 

         

        Stephen Marsh
        Community Expert
        Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        March 31, 2023

        @Vivacious_Flower0D44 

         

        Sadly, an RGB file is useless.

         

        Can you tell me the CMYK values of the red colour?

         

        Same for the black. Is it K only or a rich black mix of CMYK?

         

        Are all 312 images only red and black?

         

        Should the red reproduce as a solid of the spot colour, or is it a tint?

         

        EDIT: Even a small crop of the original CMYK that includes solid black, black tint and red would be helpful for evaluation and creation of an action or script to convert to two colour.

          Kevin Stohlmeyer
          Community Expert
          Kevin StohlmeyerCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          March 30, 2023

          Hi @Vivacious_Flower0D44 creating a duotone for print is not the same as using a Duotone color mode. What you'll need to do is establish some Spot channels, then using selection tools fill the black spot channels with the appropriate color fills:

          Then you can convert your color mode to Multichannel and remove the CMYK channels leaving you with a true 2-color PMS/Black image.

           

          You'll then need save out as a PSD or Photoshop DCS 2.0

           

            Kevin Stohlmeyer
            Community Expert
            Kevin StohlmeyerCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            March 30, 2023

            @Vivacious_Flower0D44 to answer your original query - no I am not aware of anything that can accurately convert CMYK images into a two spot channel format, at least with good enough accuracy to pass my standards.

              V
              Vivacious_Flower0D44Author
              Participating Frequently
              March 30, 2023

              Hi, I have a bunch of cmyk images (312) that were originally duotones (Black + pantone). Now I need them back to duotone, since the client only provided cmyk files, i've been trying to separate black from the other channels with no luck, Does anyone know any script or action I can build to prepare those files for 2 ink printing? Any help would be apreciated! 
              Here's an example: 

               

               

              Kevin Stohlmeyer
              Community Expert
              Kevin StohlmeyerCommunity Expert
              Community Expert
              March 30, 2023

              Hi @Vivacious_Flower0D44 you posted twice so I merged the two conversations.

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