Filed is "Untagged RGB ;" should I Assign Profile?

[bartonlew]

I created a document from scratch and then began dragging separate files into it.  So far I have done all the work on the files in their standalone version (not after bringing them into the new document).  I just noticed that the document is "Untagged RGB."  Should I select "Assign Profile" and do this before continuing to work in this document?  My objective is to have all the layers (one left to import) present to match colors and exposure etc. but - as I said - I have not started doing that.  All of the standalone files are tagged as shown in the 2d screenshot (sRGB).  Is that the option I should choose?  Also, what is the significance of the string of characters following "sRGB" in the profile name?  Thanks.  

[D Fosse · Accepted solution]

Yes, correct. Assign sRGB to the master document if the individual files are already sRGB.

As long as both the base document and the individual pasted images all have their embedded profiles, the profiles don't necessarily need to match. It will be converted in the paste operation. If you intend to do further work and you want to work in a larger color space, you could assign Adobe RGB to the master document. The pasted files would then be converted and keep their appearance.

Just always make sure there is a profile. That's more important than which one it is. The problems and inconsistencies start when the profile is missing.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

If you intend to do further work and you want to work in a larger color space, you could assign Adobe RGB to the master document. The pasted files would then be converted and keep their appearance.

The newly pasted ones, the previously pasted images would have to be Smart Objects with embedded profile, though! 

[D Fosse]

Yes, that's right. I meant and implied subsequent pastes, after assigning the profile.

[bartonlew]

Thanks.  You said "As long as both the base document and the individual pasted images all have their embedded profiles, the profiles don't necessarily need to match. It will be converted in the paste operation."  So does the destination file profile override the embedded file profile?  My embedded files are all sRGB, but because the destination profile is Untagged, the embedded profiles are also effectively Untagged inside the destination document - is that right?

Once I assign an sRGB profile to the destination document, that corrects the situation, is that right?

Thanks.  

[D Fosse]

Yes, having an untagged master document is a problem. You need to assign a profile right away. Then you can paste.

[bartonlew]

Ok, thanks.