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Convert RGB image to CMYK and match blacks to rich black

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Hi,

I'm working on a CD packaging which will be printed in 4-colour offset. I have a rich-black background over which is placed an RGB image bitmap image. On one side, the image has a opacity mask so that it fades out over the black background.

The blacks in the RGB image are virtually 0R 0G 0B which gives an overly-saturated black for printing when converted to CMYK.

How do I convert the RGB image to CMYK and lighten the blacks so that they match the rich black of the background (say 30C 30M 30Y 100K) ?

Thanks,

Dave.

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J

Jenz Grove

Participating Frequently

I have a similar project which sounds like it is in the same vein as yours. I am creating a huge mural with around 70 black and white portrait photos on a grid. The original photos are RGB but I am converting it to CMYK for the layout. I also want to use a rich black background in Illustrator (C=60 M=40 Y=40 K=100) to place the photos on. Every photo has a black background that needs to match the rich black background in Illustrator. Does anyone have an idea how to adjust the photos in Photoshop? Is there a colour profile that will do this automatically?

Sorry, I don't mean to hijack your question. I just thought we might have similar situations.

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rob day

Community Expert

Does anyone have an idea how to adjust the photos in Photoshop? Is there a colour profile that will do this automatically?

Rather than trying to match the photo's black point to the Illustrator background build, why not go the other way? Get the 0|0|0 conversion to the CMYK space you are using in Illustrator and use it as the Illustrator CMYK rich black build. If the total ink isn't a problem in the Photoshop file it shouldn't be a problem in Illustrator.

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J

Jenz Grove

Participating Frequently

Do you mean I should use an RGB colour space in Illustrator and place the photos as RGB? Then convert to CMYK for print? Sorry, I am not super clear on what you suggested.

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D Fosse

Community Expert

This is one of those few cases where I might consider working in all CMYK - provided I had the actual CMYK profile. But be very careful to not exceed the total ink limit for the profile!

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c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

What is the exact CMYK black?

What are the RGB and CMYK Spaces?

Please post a screenshot of the image.

Depending on the image’s content you may need to correct in the separated file.

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JonathanArias

Legend

why not work in indesign. place your art. make the flat black in indesign export print .pdf and allow indesign do to the converting?

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