Knowing that Word only supports RGB image, and the converted PDF file is also RGB, I then use Ghostscript to convert the PDF (infile.pdf) to become a CMYK PDF (outfile.pdf) with the following command.
All pictures taken by digital cameras are in the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) mode and computer monitors or Smartphones all display images in RGB mode. The CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, as the key color) mode refers to inks used in color printing. Despite the fact that the RGB mode employs the additive model that combines Reds, Greens, and Blues together to depict a wide range of colors, this color space is not suitable for printing. CMYK color space relies on subtractive colors by mixing the ink in different colors until reaching the full black.
Switching from RGB to CMYK before you start adjusting hue and saturation or applying visual effects, can save you a lot of time since it will be easier for you to adjust the colors accurately. Here’s how you can change the image mode from RGB to CMYK.
Recommended: Convert Video Colors with FilmoraPro
FilmoraPro provides the ability to experience detailed color correction and make fast changes with high-quality presets. You can make rapid and precise color adjustments to match the overall feeling of the video. To change video color in FilmoraPro is easy, you can use the Color Space Converter to change the color HSL, YUV, Red, green, alpha, lightness etc. Download the free trial version below and explore the color correction features of FilmoraPro.
How to Convert Images from RGB to CMYK?
The biggest benefit of changing the mode from RGB to CMYK in the files you’d like to print is the ability to detect and correct any mistakes that can occur as a result of a conversion. If you take the RGB file with you to the print shop, the printer will make the conversion automatically, which can impact the quality of the print in some situations. Understanding what RGB and CMYK are may be a bit complicated, but switching between these two modes is rather simple since nearly all professional photo editing or illustration software products enable you to accomplish this task in just a few clicks.
1.Adobe Photoshop
There are several ways to switch from RGB to CMYK mode in Adobe Photoshop. The simplest and fastest way is to click on the Image menu after you’ve imported the picture into the image editor and then head over to the Mode submenu. You can choose from options like Grayscale, Multichannel, Lab Color or CMYK Color. Click on the CMYK Color setting, and the file will automatically be converted. If you would like to use the Custom CMYK mode among numerous other you should go to the Edit menu and select the Convert to Profile feature. Once the Convert to Profile window pops up on the screen you can click on the Profile drop-down menu to select a new mode.
2.Adobe Illustrator
A lot of projects created in Adobe Illustrator end up in print, which is the reason why changing the color space from RGB to CMYK in this software requires only a few short clicks. Open a file in Illustrator, and then click on the File menu, locate the Document Color Mode option and proceed to mark the CMYK Color option. Alternatively, you can select all objects in the document and click on the Edit menu. Go to the Edit Colors submenu and choose the CMYK or any other of the available modes. When saving the document make sure to change its format to PDF and then uncheck the ‘Include CMYK PostScirpt in RGB Files’ box.
3.Adobe InDesign
The process of switching between RGB and CMYK color modes in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator is identical You just have to go to the File menu and then select the CMYK color option from the Document Color Mode submenu. Selecting the Adobe (ACE) conversion method and checking the Relative Colorimetric box can help you preserve RGB colors that can be correctly reproduced by the CMYK mode. Adobe InDesign also lets you save files in PDF, which means that you can quickly prepare the document for print once you’re done editing the document.
4.Corel Draw
After selecting the objects that you want to convert to CMYK, you just have to locate the Fill tool. This tool enables you access to the Fill Color dialogue box that contains Grayscale, HLS, RGB or CMYK modes. Choose the option that best suits the demands of your project and click OK to confirm the changes. If you would like to replace the color modes of the vectors in your project you can go to the Edit menu, and then select the Replace Objects feature from the Find and Replace submenu. Click on the Replace a Color Model option and select the CMYK option.
5.Microsoft Publisher
Head over to the Tools menu when you’re ready to convert a file to the CMYK mode, and click on the Commercial Printing Tools option. Afterward, you should choose the Color Printing feature and pick the CMYK color space under the Process Colors setting. The images you include in the layout have to be linked and not embedded so that the CMYK color space can be maintained in the image. You can link images from the Graphics Manager window that can be accessed from the Commercial Printing Tools submenu.Click OK to save the changes and your document is ready for print.
6.QuarkXpress
To change the color space from RGB to CMYK in QuarkXpress, you just have to convert a file to PDF. You can do this from the File menu, by going to the Export option. Choose the Export as PDF setting and then click on the PDF Style. Selecting the Press-High Quality/High Resolution preset will automatically convert the file from RGB to CMYK. Additionally, this preset will change all spot colors to CMYK and remove all hyperlinks. You can then proceed to adjust the PDF style option in the Export as PDF window, and choose the location on the computer’s hard drive where you will save the file.
7.rgb2cmyk
This online tool lets you convert images from RGB to CMYK for free in just a few seconds Simply select the image you’d like to upload from your computer or copy the image’s URL if the picture is stored online. After you choose a JPEG or TFF Output Format, you can proceed to select one of the available CMYK profiles or upload your own profile. Click on the Start button and wait for the image to be converted. Once the image is processed, you can click on the CMYK version to save it on your hard drive. The best part is that your images are not going to be watermarked after the conversion.
Things Worth Considering When Switching Between RGB and CMYK Modes
The type of document you’re printing determines which RGB to CMYK converter, you’re going to use, since printing a poster is very different from printing a brochure. Designing your images with a professional vector graphics editor such as Adobe Illustrator will enable you to create a vector, raster or bitmap images. On the other hand, if you just want to print a photo, using Photoshop is a much better option because you can easily import and prepare the picture for print.
Before switching from RGB to CMYK mode, you should save the original filein order to preserve the color profile. After converting a document to CMYK you have to check if the colors match the colors in the RGB version of the image. Most photo editing or vector graphics software products offer tools that enable you to quickly fix the colors in a picture after converting it to CMYK color space.
Conclusion
A thing as simple as changing the color mode of a picture you’d like to print can make all the difference while you’re preparing files for print. Fortunately, changing the color mode from RGB to CMYK is a quick process that won’t take you much more than a few minutes. Which method of converting files from RGB to CMYK color space do you like to use the most? Leave a comment and let us know.
RGB is the standard model for computer monitors in which red, green and blue are added together to create a full-color light spectrum. CMYK uses cyan, magenta, yellow and black pigments to create the full-color spectrum. CMYK is the standard four-color process for offset printing. Unfortunately, some printers are not compatible with RGB color image files. If your printer will not accept RGB images and you need to convert it to the CMYK format, you can convert your file in minutes online, without downloading or purchasing any software. Most graphics-editing software programs can also convert RGB files to the CMYK mode.
Step 1
Step 2
Select the 'Browse' button next to the upload file field.
Step 3
Select the file you wish to convert and then select 'Open.'
Step 4
Download the file once the file has been converted and saved in desired file location.
Tip
- Most graphics-editing programs, including Adobe Photoshop, can easily convert RGB files to CMYK.
Video of the Day
- Photos.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images