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Problems converting from RGB to CMYK -HELP!!!
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ruthg

Joined: 01 Jun 2005
Posts: 5



PostPosted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 3:33 pm    Post subject: Problems converting from RGB to CMYK -HELP!!! Reply with quote

I have just finished a MASSIVE job in photoshop 7.0, and they have told me it needs to be in CMYK, I have done it all in RGB.
When I switch it over it looks greyish and dull. I know what I should have done to prevent it, but as I have already done the damage, has anyone got any advice on how to rescue the work I have done so far, as it is about 300 hours and I can't face re-doing it.
Please help me!!!
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SteveS

Joined: 30 Apr 2005
Posts: 38
Location: Calee-fornia


PostPosted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Was it made in Adobe RGB or sRGB?

Here is something you might try if you haven't already.

Go to image>mode>convert to profile, and select CMYK as your "Destination Space"

What method were you using to change to CMYK?
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ruthg

Joined: 01 Jun 2005
Posts: 5



PostPosted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 1:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for your reply, Steve,
They were made in sRGB, I was just switching by going to IMAGE>MODE>CMYK color,
I have tried using the method you suggested:
Go to image>mode>convert to profile, and select CMYK as your "Destination Space"
but it still seems to lose a lot of the colour, especially affecting the bright blues.
I have played around with the colour settings a bit, and can get it to look slightly better, but still not right.
I'm feeling thoroughly fed up!!
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cbadland

Joined: 19 Jan 2005
Posts: 962



PostPosted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:48 am    Post subject: Re: Problems converting from RGB to CMYK -HELP!!! Reply with quote

ruthg wrote:
I know what I should have done to prevent it..


Like what?
All CMYK files can look dull compared to RGB files, especially in certain colors. It sounds like your methodology is ok (though I would have worked in a larger RGB color space, like Adobe RGB prior to converting.)
Before converting, duplicate your original file so you won’t loose the RGB numbers. Convert to CMYK and make adjustments to help correct for changes (like increasing contrast, tweaking colors.)

In the future, use the Preview feature to get an idea of how the RGB files will look in print after CMYK conversion. And if you are going to be doing a lot of work for print, set your Color Settings to US Prepress Default.
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SteveS

Joined: 30 Apr 2005
Posts: 38
Location: Calee-fornia


PostPosted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 8:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ruthg - Why don't you prepare a jpeg version of this image and then post it as an attachment, so we can see just what you are talking about.

I opened up a few of my images, and changed them to CMYK and only noticed very slight differences, usually in the tone of the blue sky, but nothing that would not translate okay.
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ruthg

Joined: 01 Jun 2005
Posts: 5



PostPosted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 1:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I would have used the working cmyk profile from the beginning.
As it is I have made copies of all the files, and adjusted them using the selective colour and colour replacer tools.
I have swapped over photos before with no noticable effects, but these are illustrations for a picture book, with bright, flat areas of colour, and a lot of the colours I have used simply don't seem to exist in cmyk.
I have selected a bit of one to show what I mean!



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cmyk.jpg



rgb.jpg
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rgb.jpg


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cbadland

Joined: 19 Jan 2005
Posts: 962



PostPosted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 7:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You are not doing anything wrong. If a color is not in the CMYK Gamut, then starting out in CMYK would not have helped you. The best color management workflow for you (art bound for a printing house) is to work in a wide gamut space like AdobeRGB, and preview as you go in CMYK. Convert to CMYK (as a copy) to send to the publisher. If your publisher is in US, probably best Color Setting is US Prepress Defaults. Check with the printing house to see what CMYK space they want.

I played around a little with Hue/Saturation to shift some of the blues toward cyan. That helped out a little. However the blue you had in the original is not reproducible in CMYK, no matter what.
Good Luck.



cmyk_adj.jpg
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cmyk_adj.jpg


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ruthg

Joined: 01 Jun 2005
Posts: 5



PostPosted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 7:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes, by playing around with the settings I managed to get it to about the same state.
I have sent it all off to them, and so far haven't heard anything back, so I'm hoping no news is good news!
Thanks for all your help.
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ronmatt

Joined: 30 Jun 2005
Posts: 94
Location: paradise, Ca


PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just a small bit of advise. I'm a designer but have many years of pre-press experience. It would be wise of you to start a project for print in cmyk mode. That way A) there won't be any rgb issues at pre-press and B) you'll know how the color will look from the get go. No surprises when you convert. Also, if your client approves your rgb proofs they probably expect the same look from cmyk, they can't get it.
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there is no finish line
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ruthg

Joined: 01 Jun 2005
Posts: 5



PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 3:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I know that now!!
I have always done work in cmyk from the beginning before, but for some reason this time I slipped up and forgot to do this.
It is a mistake I won't be making again.
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