Question is it possible to convert a finished project from RGB to CYMK?
Image/Properties/Model seems to allow you to choose between the two formats but I’m not sure if that means something originally done in RGB will covert over.
Let me add something. I did a quick test (converting a project done in RGB to CMYK) and the CMYK version looks duller, the colors less saturated. I would normally pick the RGB version but here’s the problem: I’m handing these images off to a local print company and they’re using some kind of special printer (not ink jet). The colors coming off this machine look a lot darker than expected.
It is possible but since the color range of CMYK is smaller than of RBG some colors that are out of gamut will be converted to duller versions. Most of the time the image will look washed out and gray. CMYK also handles the color black differently. In addition, when doing it on a kra file with filters and blending modes the result can change, when not careful, because CMYK is a substractive color model compared to RGB (which is additive) and hence most blending modes work the opposite or don’t work at all.
So, yes you can do it but might require some extra work to keep it look good.
Thanks Takiro. I just added some text to my original post but let me explain again. I’m trying to get these images printed by a professional printing company. My images look good on the monitor screen but what’s coming off his machine is dark. Too dark to use. He mentioned using CMYK instead of RGB but I’m not sure if that means I have to start the project in that mode, or if it can be corrected after the fact. Based on my quick test the CMYK version looks duller. I wouldn’t use it for a final print. Going back and having to manipulate colors and such is probably not a good option. Or one I would prefer to avoid.
The guy running the machine said he might be able to adjust something in the software to compensate. So I’m waiting to see what he can do before I freak out lolol
Yeah that’s a common problem, pretty much what I suspected. So, when you don’t have a printer guy that will do the retouching for you have to do it yourself. Unfortunately just setting the project file to CMYK won’t give perfect results.
Here’s what I do:
Krita has a feature called Soft Proofing
By default it’s set to CMYK but you can change it to something else in the settings, best case is you get the color profile your printer is using for their machines. With that you can switch color profiles temporarily without having to convert anything.
Together with the out of gamut warnings Krita will show you where color conversion errors would happen, so you know where you have to fix them.
When you’re done fixing everything you should have a RGB file that looks pretty similar on screen and printed, assuming the screens are properly calibrated.
Additionally most modern professional printers dont really use cmyk but more something like crmbyokk, they have like 8 to 12 colors for inkjets, mostly to get pretty close to RBG, that’s why soft proofing to CMYK could still be insufficient when you want 100% identical colors and values. That’s why it’s important to get their print color profile, if possible.
I’ll inquire about color profiles from the printer. For what it’s worth, his machine is not an inkjet style printer. It’s a huge refrigerator sized machine that uses some kind of plastic film. I think the machine is made by Minolta but not 100% sure of that.
Ha ok so here’s another final comment (I guess) I just talked to the printer and he was able to correct the color. He ran it through some Adobe product that did the color correction and processing to CMYK format and all is right with the world now. I asked him if, going forward, he would just be able to do that every time and his answer was yes. So I guess, at least while he’s still in business (lol) I won’t have to worry about this again. I’d still like to get my head around this whole thing though. Ya never know what the future holds. Thanks everyone
There are different type of printers, some are more successful than others in replicating the range of RBG which is quite huge since it’s all possible colors of the electromagnetic spectrum but pigments have their limits. Depending on the printer there will be different colors you just won’t get carried over from an srgb file. Using cmyk from the start can mitigate some of the post processing work but has other downsides when not working exclusively for print, or the mentioned difference in blending modes and filters.
RGB to CMYK is the best way to do things. If you work with CMYK you will eventually shoot yourself in the foot because certain mixes can cause bigger problems than just dull colours. Just do soft proofing and calibrate things.
Also please do understand paper does not emit light nor does it print white. It is only as bright as the white of the paper you use. Whiter paper is more expensive.
I really appreciate the help. I read through that chapter of the user manual. I have a better understanding but I also have a long way to go before I can speak intelligently on the subject. As you can tell I’m new to the business/process of printing my work for the purposes of marketing or crass commercialism lol. I understand that professionals deal with these exact same problems every day around the world. Your magazine cover has to be perfect if you’re selling a few hundred thousand copies. I’m sure people have lost their jobs over this lol I’m sure people have cried real tears lol. This project is a children’s book for my granddaughter (birthday). I’ve spent the better part of a year creating the artwork. I knew getting actual books made would be a challenge and it has been. I had a false start or two with some online book publishers. I purposely gave myself a month or so breathing room for this part of it knowing full well there might be a few bumps in the road. I’ll get better at it. This outfit I’m dealing with right now is just down the street from me. It’s nice to deal with someone local. If there’s a problem I can literally walk over there.
I’ll finish by saying Krita is awesome and the brain trust around here is awesome too. Thanks again!
