6 Replies Latest reply: Jul 2, 2014 9:45 AM by BrGomesCardoso RSS

    Smart Object convert colors

    BrGomesCardoso Community Member

      I'm working with color proof and the result is very very important to the final work.

       

      So I'm worried because when create a smart object from all layers in RGB mode and then convert the image to CMYK the result is a little different that if I convert a flat image. Why do this happens? And how I control to obtain the same result?

      Placed a linked file has a different color result too.

       

      I need to maintain all layers available, so I trying to work with this method.

       

      Any answer or help?

        • 1. Re: Smart Object convert colors
          c.pfaffenbichler Community Member
          And how I control to obtain the same result?

          You don’t.

          At least with many possible combinations of transparencies and Blend Modes it is impossible to obtain the same result in CMYK as in RGB while maintaing the original Layer structure.


          Placed a linked file has a different color result too.

          Different from embedded Smart Objects or just different from the flattened image?


          To be blunt you probably don’t fully comprehend the principal difference between additive and subtractive colors.


          Also are you sure your CMYK space conforms to the specific print process?

          • 2. Re: Smart Object convert colors
            c.pfaffenbichler Community Member

            A simple example that might help illustrate the basic discrepancy:

            • Make a black layer in an RGB image and add a Gradient Layer (solid white to transparent white)

            • duplicate the two and convert one pair to a Smart Object

            • convert the image to CMYK

            RGBGradientCMYGradientScr.jpg

            While in RGB the white mixes with the black to produce neutral results in CMYK the black is not "true", it is determined by Total Area Coverage and GCR (or UCR), so mixing it with white will produce different results.

            And then there are gamma and dot gain …

             

            Edit: In RGB 0/0/0 mixed 50% with 255/255/255 gets 128/128/128, in CMYK (ISO Coated v2) 88/79/65/93 mixed 50% with 0/0/0/0 gets 44/39/32/46 and that is not the default separation result for 128/128/128 (exiRGB v2).

            • 3. Re: Smart Object convert colors
              BrGomesCardoso Community Member

              just different from the flattened image?

              Yes, placed linked or placed embed the result it's always different from the flattened image.

               

              I'd like to maintain the RGB layers into a smart object inside a CMYK file to avoid duplicate files in my hard drive.

              I understood the gradient example. Thanks. So I can't work with the smart object with this goal.

              • 4. Re: Smart Object convert colors
                BrGomesCardoso Community Member

                c.pfaffenbichler wrote:

                Also are you sure your CMYK space conforms to the specific print process?

                Yes, I'm sure.

                • 5. Re: Smart Object convert colors
                  c.pfaffenbichler Community Member
                  Thanks. So I can't work with the smart object with this goal.

                  It depends (as usual) … if the Layers are all pretty much sharp edged, solid (100% Opacity and Fill) and have the Blend Mode Normal the difference may only affect the very edge-pixels and be next to un-noticable.

                  But if you used soft edges, semi transparent Objects, different Blend Modes, … it may just not work out.

                   

                  I'd like to maintain the RGB layers into a smart object inside a CMYK file to avoid duplicate files in my hard drive.

                  The ability to combine elements of different Color Modes is one of the benefits of Smart Objects that may be often overlooked.

                  • 6. Re: Smart Object convert colors
                    BrGomesCardoso Community Member

                    I work in retouch and post-production of photography. So I have many different Blend Modes, several different Opacity, etc.

                     

                    I'll try to find a solution to contour the issue of converting color mode of a Smart Object.

                    If I find a solution I'll share it here.

                     

                    Thanks. Your help and attention.