Expert: Glen Demers - 10/21/2009

Question
Hi there -
I am working in Indesign CS4 and having problems understanding color mngmt.  I created a brochure that I sent to the printer who prints in CMYK. My doc had linked images that were both RGB and CMYK. Last minute, my client wanted a specific PMS color which I added to some color blocks and a logo within the doc. After saving as a PDF and sending to printer, the proof came back way off the mark in terms of color. After inspecting my files, the printer said that in the PDF the PMS colors did not show up as the color numbers but CMYK values instead. How do I fix this when outputting to print? Also, I did not think one was able to use PMS colors within a doc that also uses process colors/CMYK builds, however the printer obviously thought this was possible. HELP! I need to figure this out for the next printing. Thanks in advance - Holly


Answer
Hi Holly,

You should convert your images and graphics to CMYK before you are send a job to a commercial printer, this allows you to control the conversion and makes sure there are no surprises in the proofs. Many colors can change when converting to CMYK as is illustrated here: http://www.bestprintingonline.com/cmyk-color.htm#converted

To prevent PMS colors from converting to process when making a pdf use the High Quality Print PDF setting. The PDF x/1-a and Press quality will convert all colors to CMYK. This is set in the output section of your pdf settings, set color conversion to none.

Many commercial printers, BestPrintingOnline included, have presses with 5, 6 or more units and in addition to 4 colors can run spot PMS colors as well as varnishes and coatings, all in one pass.

Hope this helps,
Glen Demers
Prepress Technician, Best Printing Online
www.bestprintingonline.com

For more InDesign tips please visit our help pages here: http://www.bestprintingonline.com/indesign.htm