Spot colour to CMYK translation
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- whyte39
Anyone out there know anything of Spot colour to CMYK translation? Which is more accurate: Photoshop or InDesign? Each application is giving us completely different colours.
- monospaced0
When outputting a PDF in InDesign, go to the Ink Manager (I THINK it's under Output) and check "spot to process" for the best results.
- monospaced0
The differences you're "seeing" from each application MAY have something to do with your color settings (Bridge) being inconsistent across your Adobe applications. Good luck.
- inkpink0
use the bridge swatches in illustrator, they are the correct cmyk as per the books.
- whyte390
It isn't just visual differences we are getting though. The values of a spot converted to process are completely different in each application.
For example:
InDesign-
Pantone 289 U converts to 100-64-0-60 (CMYK)Photoshop-
Pantone 289 U converts to 81-68-40-24- HOW are you "converting?"monospaced
- did i mention pantone bridge swatches already?inkpink
- monospaced0
The main problem is that there will rarely BE a CMYK equivalent to Pantone spots.
- yea for sure, but the differences are pretty huge in this instance.whyte39
- inkpink0
again, use the pantone Bridge swatches (EC, PC, UP).
they will convert to Pantone's official CMYK values (and just checked same in PS, AI, ID).
they might look wrong on screen but thats because the value are optimized for print.
- inkpink0
note; i believe bridge swatches were new with CS4 and not available in CS3.
someone correct me if i've got that wrong.
- d_rek0
Another option - I believe process pantone swatches will have the CMYK values spec'd on them. You could try and put in your values manually to see if your results are any better.
- inkpink0
pantone *solid* ink (C, U) swatch values don't have to match becuase they are just a visual reference to the spot ink which is going to be mixed in buckets by press using completely different formulas.
their cmyk's are just to look as close to the swatch on screen.
this is why the photoshop and the indesign conversions don't always match.
if your job is cmyk, do not use spot inks.
- i_monk0
Stop using spot colours in your production stages unless it's going to be printed as spot.