Using ICC Profiles with AI?

[southwestform]

1. Would you use an ICC profile only if you are embedding a photo in AI? Would you use one with a file just composed of vector graphics?

Thanks in advance.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Depends on if the file is in RGB or CMYK.

CMYK files should be prevented from being converted through color management. This is usually achieved by not embedding an ICC profile. Of course then you need to find another way to convey the medium this file is made for. Put it in the name such as Logo_newspaper.ai

In most vector files (logos, infographics, charts etc.) you don't want to have ICC based color management convert your colors because this might result in small percentages of cyan in your yellow or a rich black. So you cannot work with a media neutral workflow.

Different with RGB files. There you would usually want to embed the color profile.