When to convert to CMYK

[annc]

I forget. When is the best time to convert an RGB photo to CMYK? Before you make any adjustments, or just before running the Unsharp mask, or at the very end?

[ElyseC]

I forget. When is the best time to convert an RGB photo to CMYK? Before you make any adjustments, or just before running the Unsharp mask, or at the very end?
I convert RGB to LAB, then convert the LAB to CMYK, but maybe there's a better way, dunno. I try to do the conversion last, because in the days of slower computers (so don't know if it's relevant now) it was faster to work on an RGB file than a CMYK.

[annc]

I convert RGB to LAB, then convert the LAB to CMYK, but maybe there's a better way, dunno. I try to do the conversion last, because in the days of slower computers (so don't know if it's relevant now) it was faster to work on an RGB file than a CMYK.Thanks. That gives me the confidence to leave them in RGB for the moment, and see what others have to say.

[Franca]

Thanks. That gives me the confidence to leave them in RGB for the moment, and see what others have to say.I have no idea what's "best" but I find it easier to work in RGB and convert at the last minute. (Not that I do much color work.)

[annc]

I have no idea what's "best" but I find it easier to work in RGB and convert at the last minute. (Not that I do much color work.)Thanks. That makes sense to me. I've done sporadic colour work over the years, including a couple of books where the colour photos were exquisitely produced exactly to the specifications of the press, but suddenly find myself with a regular 24–28 page bimonthly newsletter with ads coming in from lots of small businesses. One or two are CMYK Acrobat files as specified, but lots have to be made up, some with digital camera photos supplied on CD. Not to mention the ubiquitous Word files in RGB sent as 'camera ready' with no printed copy to accompany them.

Oh, and the current issue includes at least three business cards with staples through the logos. A record for me — I usually only manage one of those per project. It seems the project manager has taken a short cut to get the artwork ready in time by grabbing business cards off a notice board. One of the perils of working for a community organisation.

It's an interesting publication and I'm enjoying the work, so I'll just have to deal with it. <g>

[Mike Wickham]

I forget. When is the best time to convert an RGB photo to CMYK? Before you make any adjustments, or just before running the Unsharp mask, or at the very end?

I use PhotoKit Sharpener (great plugin!) on my images, and it works only in RGB. So I convert to CMYK after resizing and sharpening.

Mike

[annc]

I use PhotoKit Sharpener (great plugin!) on my images, and it works only in RGB. So I convert to CMYK after resizing and sharpening.

MikeInteresting. Do you have a URL for PhotoKit Sharpener?

Ann

[marlene]

According to Real World Photoshop 5.5, "don't change color spaces unless or until you have to, and do as much of your correction as possible in the image's original color space."

So I do all my fussing with images in RGB (since that's what I almost always get), and convert to CMYK last. I haven't been able to find a straight answer as to whether I should run USM before or after the conversion, though.

FWIW, I usually run USM after converting to CMYK.

mxh

[annc]

According to Real World Photoshop 5.5, "don't change color spaces unless or until you have to, and do as much of your correction as possible in the image's original color space."

So I do all my fussing with images in RGB (since that's what I almost always get), and convert to CMYK last. I haven't been able to find a straight answer as to whether I should run USM before or after the conversion, though.

FWIW, I usually run USM after converting to CMYK.

mxhWonderful, thanks. That makes sense to me. epecially as I've been told not to run unsharp mask until the very end, which is what I've been doing with my own digital photos when I sell them.

Sigh. I've spent the last four hours tracing one logo and other business card graphics. Fortunately I quoted a price for all and some are a lot easier to do. The client wants a b&w print of what I've done by tomorrow, but he has Buckleys of getting it.

Ann

[ktinkel]

… but he has Buckleys of getting it.Buckleys? Whazzat? :-)

[Franca]

The client wants a b&w print of what I've done by tomorrow, but he has Buckleys of getting it.Is that Australian for "snowball's chance in hell"? And if so, what's the story behind it?

[annc]

Is that Australian for "snowball's chance in hell"? And if so, what's the story behind it?Yeah, it means a very slim chance, if any at all. Also Buckley's chance, or 'You've got two chances: Buckley's and none'. According to my trusty Macquarie dictionary, it originated as a pun on the name of a Melbourne department store, Buckley and Nunn.

But being a lazy nation when it comes to language, we tend to just use it as I did.

[Eggles]

Buckleys? Whazzat? :-)

An Aussie saying. Buckley's Chance. Means little to no likelihood of it happening.

I always thought it had something to do with the escaped convict William Buckley, who lived with Aborigines on the Mornington Peninsula for a number of years after his escape (1800s). I haven't heard of the connection to Buckley's and Nunn (although I remember that department store).

[ktinkel]

An Aussie saying. Buckley's Chance. Means little to no likelihood of it happening.

I always thought it had something to do with the escaped convict William Buckley, who lived with Aborigines on the Mornington Peninsula for a number of years after his escape (1800s). I haven't heard of the connection to Buckley's and Nunn (although I remember that department store).Thank you.

Another Australian! Glad to see you here.

[Mike Wickham]

Ann,

Here's the link for PhotoKit Sharpener. A great plugin! http://www.pixelgenius.com/sharpener/

Mike

[annc]

Ann,

Here's the link for PhotoKit Sharpener. A great plugin! http://www.pixelgenius.com/sharpener/

MikeThanks,Mike. I'm downloading Bruce Fraser's workflow PDF as I write this.

[Clayton]

Guess it depends upon whose book you read...

[Franca]

Good to see you made it over here, Clayton!

[annc]

Guess it depends upon whose book you read...Welcome,Clayton.

The consensus seems to be to do it as late as possible.

[Clayton]

Yeah, thank you! I was getting worried that maybe the DTP dropped off the edge of the earth.

The new forum look and feel is pretty darn good!

[terrie]

Hey Clayton! Glad to see you found your way over here...

Terrie

[ktinkel]

Yeah, thank you! I was getting worried that maybe the DTP dropped off the edge of the earth.

The new forum look and feel is pretty darn good!Oh, good — glad you like it!

[Franca]

I tried to send you an e-mail the day the CIS forum closed, but it bounced. I also sent you a private message over there, but you probably didn't get a chance to read it before they turned out the lights.

[ElyseC]

Yeah, thank you! I was getting worried that maybe the DTP dropped off the edge of the earth.So, how were you able to find us? We're glad you did!