Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 11/20/2009

Question
Hi, I have created a RGB file in Photoshop CS3 and now need to convert it to CMYK for printing.  What settings do I need to use to ensure the final printed product will be as close to my onscreen RGB colours as possible?

Answer
Hi Chhaya,

This is totally dependent on your RGB image. First you would go to edit>Color Settings and set up your color management. I would use the "Europe General Purpose 2" which will give you a good conversion.

Then go to image>mode>CMYK. This will convert it. Now, converting RGB to CMYK is never easy. If you have very bright colors in RGB, then they may dull up a bit in CMYK. This is normal and there is not much you can do about it. (I could go into additive vs. subtractive colors, but its really boring.).

The best thing you can do is before you change your color mode, go to view>and turn on your "Gamut Warning" this will highlight problem areas in your image that you will need to adjust before you change to CMYK. If it does not highlight anything, then you are good to go.


Thanks

Kevin