Expert: Huma Riaz - 2/1/2011

Question
Hello,

I usually work 100% in sRGB color mode in Photoshop CS5. Well, until new I have a client who needs to print my photos in CMYK for a book. When I convert the Mode to CMYK from sRGB the colors become dull and the blacks print gray rather than dark, rich black. How do I make my blacks completely black in CMYK? Do i use channels? How would I do that?

Thank you so much for your help!

Answer
when u change your file mode to CMYK usually what change you see will be the same you will get after printing.

If you are not using 100% black it will come out as a grayish color, the proper black values are C:75, M:68, Y:67, K:90, which will come after printing as 100% black. to check which shade you are using open the info pallete and take your pointer to the black shade the info will show you the color percentage. sometimes the profile also dont show the colors properly as well, so rely on the color values showing in the INFO panel.


also, check gamma (Ctrl+Y) when u press this key, the areas are going to damage in the printing will turn grey and you will be clear enough which areas are to be fixed.


channels we use mostly when we need a specific area to be worked on, it helps us saving the selection and working on specific areas, also we can use the default channels CMYK/RGB to fix the color tones we need to change.


I hope this will clear up  your mind a little, if still you need some more, don't hesitate to contact further,



Regards
Huma Khan
Location: Saudi Arabia