Image > Mode (RGB/CMYK) Grayed Out

[nicky9499]

Hi everyone,

I'm working on a print image. It started out as an RGB photo, and then got quite complicated with layers and masks and text etc. Somewhere along the way I seem to have lost the ability to convert this document to CMYK now that I am ready to send it for print. The menu in question is grayed out.

How can I fix this please?

[gener7]

I don't know offhand why this is happening, but if you have to get thiis finished,

You can make a copy (Image > Duplicate), flatten it and see if you have a RGB to CMYK option. You would want a flattened copy for printing.

Also make an unflattened copy if you have to quit Photoshop and re-open to see if you get it back.

Another way is Edit > Convert to Profile > CMYK (You would see a warning that some layers would have to be removed)

[nicky9499]

Yes, I would also like to know why this is happening. The document was wholly made in CC at my workplace. If I try to open it in CS6 at home, I get this message:

This document contains unknown data which will be discarded to keep layers editable. To preserve the original appearance instead, choose Flatten to load composite data as a flattened image.

I have no idea what this means. I know that if Photoshop is missing a linked file it will retain its original appearance until I right click > Replace Content on that layer. This is the first time I have encountered this error. Convert to Profile > CMYK flattens the document, but everything looks the same. How do I check if my document is indeed CMYK now?

Thank you.

[gener7]

What does the document tab on top indicate?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Could you please post a screenshot with the pertinent Panels visible?

[D Fosse]

Do you know that the Photoshop default CMYK profile - US Web Coated SWOP - is the right one? Because that's what you get with Image > Mode. You should always check this with your printer.

You can't convert a layered file just like that. The layers may have a different effect, or not mean anything at all, after the conversion. You simply have to flatten when going from one color space to another. Make a copy.

The message you quoted means exactly what it says.

[Prophetben · Accepted solution]

I had this problem when I had my Quickmask turned on. Worth a look.

[Janus Dam Guttesen]

Deleting the Quickmask layer in the Cnannel solved this problem for me.

[MarkdenHartog]

yes! that is what fixed it for me as well.

thanks!!!

[PhilipTonkyn]

Worked for me too.

[JeremyCowan]

I had this issue just today, 3 years later from this post. Thanks!

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Did you solve it?

If not the same applies as before: Please supply meaningful information like a screenshot.

[JeremyCowan]

I can see how this seemed inconclusive. What I meant with my response was that Prophetben's suggestion about turning off quickmask worked for me.

[Kevinbartz4ps]

Yeah that solved my problem thanks a lot

[mgraphix99]

I had the same issue with a file from a coworker.  What worked for me was the same as Pophetben.  The Quickmask is on.

[jam_wilson · Accepted solution]

It's probably because your image is saved in the 32 Bits/Channel mode. You need to save it down to 8 Bits/Channel. When you do this you'll see that the CMYK option reappears and isn't greyed out anymore.

[Elvis Johnson]

Yup, this is it. Worked like you said it would. Thank you very much

[fill]

Hi !
Just wanted to reiterate that the solution was the same for me, the Quickmask was on.
When Off it works fine.
Thanks !

[Kirkshoetwo]

The answer to your question was to change the image from 32 bit to 8 bit...BUT the Mode option is greyed out,  so how does one change from 32 bit ot 8 bit without the MODE Options?

[incredible_star4766]

This happens when you're in quickmask mode, de-select that option if you see a checkmark next to it.