When designing for CMYK printing there are a few application specific tips to follow:
Photoshop: Your scanner almost certainly generates RGB information. Don't worry, that's how it's supposed to work. In fact, you should leave your color files in RGB mode until you need to finalize your project, or until you need to know CMYK ink values so you can match colors in another program. While you are working you can check how your files are going to look by turning on the "CMYK preview" mode.
Don't make repeated changes between RGB and CMYK mode, using the mode menu. Every time you switch, a little clarity is lost. One switch is no problem; 20 switches makes a difference.
You may ask, why not simply switch to CMYK mode as soon as possible?
Photoshop: Your scanner almost certainly generates RGB information. Don't worry, that's how it's supposed to work. In fact, you should leave your color files in RGB mode until you need to finalize your project, or until you need to know CMYK ink values so you can match colors in another program. While you are working you can check how your files are going to look by turning on the "CMYK preview" mode.
Don't make repeated changes between RGB and CMYK mode, using the mode menu. Every time you switch, a little clarity is lost. One switch is no problem; 20 switches makes a difference.
You may ask, why not simply switch to CMYK mode as soon as possible?
- RGB files are 25% smaller and therefore 25% faster to work with and easier to store.The SWOP CMYK gamut is pretty small. If you ever want to reproduce those files for a different medium (such as the web), you'll have thrown away some potentially useful information.
- Some filters only work in RGB mode.
Illustrator: Stick to CMYK and Grayscale color models when working on the paper parts of your project (booklets, traycards, etc.). If you use Pantone Coated colors on anything paper, make sure that you are willing to pay all the associated up charges. Stay away from RGB. Refer to Adobe's web site and the program's help section for details.
Familiarize yourself with Illustratorcolor handling options.(Image above is V.9)
Quark Xpress: Familiarize yourself with the "Edit Colors" dialog box. Use only CMYK mode and ensure that the spot color checkbox is off. Make sure that you are in control of which colors should separate into CMYK by installing a post script printer and using the output tab in the Print dialog window. Be aware that Quark's ability to represent color accurately is, shall we say, less than ideal. (use a swatch book!) -Visit for additional help
InDesign: Use the Window, Color and verify that you are using CMYK colors.
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