Print files in CMYK?

So I have a little question for those authors at GR that primarily deal in print files. Working with getting my first print file ready to GraphicRiver, I’m dealing with the issue of CMYK .

See, when I usually design print stuff for clients, I simply create the image in RGB in Photoshop, and then convert to CMYK later on when I have the final image, and correct any minor changes that might have happened. I do this because CMYK can’t really handle several layer modes all that well in Photoshop.

For instance, with the current file I’m working on, if I save the final image as 1 layer merged, and then convert to CMYK , I can see no visual changes. However, if I convert the layered photoshop file to CMYK , no matter the work, I can’t get it to the same nice result due to the way CMYK deals with Photoshops layer modes.

But as far as I understand it, GraphicRiver insists that all files be delivered in CMYK !

The only option I see is to flatten almost the entire image, except for text layers. But that will result in a much less optimal product for the buyer, since they won’t be able to edit nearly as much of the image.

So I’m curious how other print designers on GraphicRiver deal with this issue?

When you convert a flattened image to CMYK , there is colour changes, however Photoshop displays it to you how it will be printed (it applies a nice little colour fix on screen, which you won’t see if you open the same file in say, Preview).

The best practice I could suggest for providing print files would be to start your design using colours from the CMYK table, something I have started doing more so recently.

Also, something I do is to include the original RGB file alongside the CMYK file in my final download.

I also include a .txt file with instructions to the buyer that editing the RGB version, saving as a jpeg and then converting the jpeg to CMYK is a better way to use the file.

Brilliant idea in including the original RGB file!

I might also add that it’s perfectly possible to have a final image that converts to CMYK flawlessly when flattened, but converts completely wrong when un-flattened. CMYK simply interacts with the layermodes in very different ways. But if you flatten the image, it might be no problem whatsoever.

I agree with Adam about just creating everything as CMYK from the start for your print templates (what I do every time). It’s cool if you want to include the extra RGB , but it’s a print template, so your customer would only be expecting cmyk anyway. If you don’t want to spend the time, I don’t think you should feel obligated to. Sometimes that takes a significant amount of time and your item would still be the same price. Your call.

And what about colour profiles? Default PS profile is suggested only for U.S. For Europe region – ISO colour profiles. Coated and Uncoated papers have different profiles. I wonder about printing files in PSD format. 1- very huge files; 2 computer is slower. And I wonder about those designers who make printing files, but never have been in printing house (sorry about those who have

Start off your design using CMYK .

RGB = SCREEN CMYK = PRINT

If, you start with RGB and convert to CMYK you will see drastic changes in color and your design will look terrible and your client may never want to have anything to do with you.

Best compressed formats for CMYK is TIFF & PDF

It is bad practice to design in RGB and convert your “flattened” layer to RGB

I also read a tutorial on PSD Tuts that recommended designing in RGB and then converting to CMYK , however I can’t find it.

Well! I don’t know how they can say that, but TRULY the results from RGB to CMYK conversions could yield some terrible results.

The POST is a faulty one and many people seem to disagree with it.

ShermanJackson said
Well! I don’t know how they can say that, but TRULY the results from RGB to CMYK conversions could yield some terrible results. The POST is a faulty one and many people seem to disagree with it.

That’s your opinion. I know quite a lot of designers designing for print, doing it the actual file in RGB . RGB is simply easier to work with in Photoshop, especially when it comes to layer modes. I also think you’re drastically over exaggerating the difference converting to CMYK does. The difference that you’ll get from converting to CMYK later on, is usually no more an issue than your screen color calibration vs that of your printers. For most big jobs, you would do test prints anyway, since each printer works a little differently and the colors will change that little bit anyway.

[awaits impending Mac vs PC style debate]