How to Convert Your Print File From RGB to CMYK
Because RGB has a much larger color gamut, colors outside of the gamut become much less vibrant when printed on a CMYK press. They can often come out looking completely different. To get the most accurate idea of how a piece will print, we recommend converting it to Document CMYK before submitting for print
There Are a Few Ways to Do This:
Adobe Illustrator
- File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color
Note: This will change the default profile to Working CMYK but will not change any objects with a different mode. To manually adjust non-CMYK objects, select the object and go to:
- Window > Color > Options ( ) > CMYK
You can also convert all objects to CMYK by converting when you export:
- File > Save As > Adobe PDF (pdf) > Output > Color Conversion > Convert to Destination > U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2 for Coated Papers OR U.S. Web Uncoated v2 for Uncoated Papers > Include Destination Profiles
Note: Verify that all necessary spot colors are included after export. You can do that in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC by selecting: • Tools > Print Production > Ink Manager
Adobe Acrobat PRO DC
- Tools > Print Production > Convert Colors > Conversion Attributes > Conversion Profile > U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2 for Coated Papers OR U.S. Web Uncoated v2 for Uncoated Papers
Note: This will convert ALL objects to CMYK. If you wish to preserve spot colors, we recommend you select: • Matching Criteria > Color Type > Any RGB
Adobe InDesign
- File > Export > Adobe PDF (pdf)
- Follow same guidelines as Illustrator
Note: InDesign will allow you to set default RGB and CMYK profiles through Edit > Assign Profiles or Edit > Convert to Profile but cannot exclude RGB automatically
Adobe Photoshop
- Edit > Convert to Profile > U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2 for Coated Papers OR U.S. Web Uncoated v2 for Uncoated Papers
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