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Djuna_A_
Djuna_A_
Known Participant
July 2, 2017
Answered

Converting to CMYK doesn't change screen color

  • July 2, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 7992 views

Hi there,

I am illustrating a book, and the publisher has requested PSD files in CMYK.  My original files are TIF.  When I convert from RGB to CMYK either as a TIF or PSD file, I don't see the typical color change on my screen, which is too good to be true.  Any ideas? 

Thanks!

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer gener7

    Maybe the colors are already in the CMYK range despite being RGB mode.

    "Proofing" is one way to know.

    First go to View > Proof Setup and select "Working CMYK" which in my case is US Web Coated Swop v 2

    If he has a custom profile for his press, select that in Proof Setup after you load it.

    Then with your RGB Image open, Ctrl or Cmd Y to simulate what it looks like when you convert to CMYK.

    If you are still in doubt, see a print shop about having a proof copy made.

    2 replies

    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 3, 2017

    Just to make sure: Did the printer tell you the actually printed CMYK Color Space?

    What was the RGB images’ original Color Space?

    Do the RGB images feature highly saturated colors at all?

    Djuna_A_
    Djuna_A_Author
    Known Participant
    July 4, 2017

    No, they didn't.  I don't know what Color Space is.  The colors are moderately saturated.  Sometimes in CMYK, I see areas of "peeling," which I assume are the saturated areas...

    gener7
    Community Expert
    gener7Community Expert
    Community Expert
    July 4, 2017

    A "color space" is the range of colors that a device will produce. A "device profile" tells Photoshop what that range is, so that the Adobe Color Manager can correctly convert your colors.

    Here is a primer: http://clickitupanotch.com/2016/09/color-space-questions-srgb-vs-adobe-rgb/

    There's much more to learn, but basically you convert from one profile to another to to get accurate color and you make sure you have a calibrated and profiled monitor for best results. Monitors, unless they are very expensive, are sRGB profile.

    Bear in mind CMYK is more limited in colors than RGB. Also ask your printer what CMYK profile he wants you to use, and if it does not ship with Photoshop, he should supply it to you. US Coated Standard Web Offset Press (SWOP) is what is called a CMYK profile, because that kind of printing press uses the Cyan, Magenta, Yelllow, and Black (K) inks to print your artwork. If the publisher uses a different press, he should tell you what profile to use or supply you with it.

      gener7
      Community Expert
      gener7Community ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      July 2, 2017

      Maybe the colors are already in the CMYK range despite being RGB mode.

      "Proofing" is one way to know.

      First go to View > Proof Setup and select "Working CMYK" which in my case is US Web Coated Swop v 2

      If he has a custom profile for his press, select that in Proof Setup after you load it.

      Then with your RGB Image open, Ctrl or Cmd Y to simulate what it looks like when you convert to CMYK.

      If you are still in doubt, see a print shop about having a proof copy made.

      Djuna_A_
      Djuna_A_Author
      Known Participant
      July 3, 2017

      Thank you thank you!

      Djuna_A_
      Djuna_A_Author
      Known Participant
      July 3, 2017

      it seems that that function is disabled once the file is converted to a specific profile, is that right? (Edit > Convert to Profile > Japan Color 2001 Coated)

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