Expert: Amy - 9/17/2007

Question
When I save my Illustrator document as a PDF file, the image looks very washed out (the blacks are not pure blacks, reds are not as deep, etc.) but things look
fine while I am working within Illustrator. I also get this problem when I copy something from Illustrator and paste it into Photoshop.

My Illustrator file is in CMYK mode and that's when I get the problem. When I change it to RGB and then export as PDF, it looks fine. Why can't I export it as CMYK?

I really appreciate any help you can provide.

Thanks :)

Answer
Felipe

I have a suspicion that the problem is not Illustrator but instead it is that you are viewing in Proofing mode in Photoshop and in Acrobat.

Both of those programs have "Proof Colors" view options. Proofing mode attempts to compensate for ink densities, paper color, etc, depending on what your settings are. Colors in proofing mode could appear washed out, etc.

To turn off or customize the Proofing mode in PhotoShop, look under the View menu.

To do the same in Acrobat depends on what version you are using, so consult your help file on how to turn off or switch the proofing mode to emulate an environment that works better for you.

While you are at it, check and make sure that you are not working in an undesirable proofing mode in Illustrator (also under the View menu).

Good luck,
Amy