6 Replies Latest reply on May 17, 2018 2:45 AM by c.pfaffenbichler

Converting Screen Layer Blend Modes to CMYK?

complexity Mar 21, 2012 5:34 PM

Hi all,

I've created some graphic artwork in Photoshop RGB, and now its time to output these graphics to an Illustrator CMYK file.

I have a bunch of layers that I have created for lens flares / light effects and I created these via filling a layer black and then using the Lens Flare Filter and then converting the layer to a Screen layer blend.

I notice that when I convert to CMYK in photoshop I lose the effect of those screen layers, is there anyway I can get those layers to look the same in CMYK without having recreate them from scratch in the CMYK space?

In my illustrator file I have a gradient background and was hoping to bring in these transparent lense flare lighting effects to place over the top of the gradient. I was thinking I might be able to merge the layers in photoshop but unfortuantley I need those screen layers to remain transparent.

I also tried turning the layer to normal 100%, convert to CMYK, placing into my CMYK illustrator file and then changing the layer to screen mode there but its doesnt look the same, its turn transparent like I wanted but it looks like where there is transparency there is a 25% opacity white.

Any help would be great

1. Re: Converting Screen Layer Blend Modes to CMYK?

complexity Mar 21, 2012 6:05 PM (in response to complexity)

I guess Im trying to do the same thing as this guy

http://forums.adobe.com/message/4068302

Although I'm not 100% sure what I need to adjust in the suggested answer there.

"Maybe it would help to push the depth in the screen-layer to 100% for all four colors with a Curves Layer.
Create the doc in CMYK, grab your "glint layer". Adjust the curves and then maximize the contrast and then set the layer to screen."

Could someone please show me which handles/options I need to adjust there?
Like Show 0 Likes(0)

Actions
2. Re: Converting Screen Layer Blend Modes to CMYK?

Chris Cox Mar 21, 2012 6:29 PM (in response to complexity)

Your best bet is to flatten the document, then convert to CMYK.
Blending in CMYK (or LAB) isn't always going to match RGB.
Like Show 0 Likes(0)

Actions
3. Re: Converting Screen Layer Blend Modes to CMYK?

complexity Mar 21, 2012 9:20 PM (in response to Chris Cox)

Hi Chris, when I flatten, bring into illustrator and then change it to screen blend, everything is 15 - 20% opacity whiter, so I go back into photoshop and crunch the levels a bit more making it more contrasty, this helps lose the unexpected whiteness but I also then start to lose the detail in the flare themselves.

What I have done is start to painstaking build a flare from scratch picking apart bits of a vector flare created in illustrator using the flare tool.
It's taking some time but atleast I'll be able to use them if I come across this again in future!
Like Show 0 Likes(0)

Actions
4. Re: Converting Screen Layer Blend Modes to CMYK?

JE_D+P May 17, 2018 2:02 AM (in response to complexity)

I know this was last commented on 6 years ago, but did you have any luck recreating the solar flare in CMYK?
Like Show 0 Likes(0)

Actions
5. Re: Converting Screen Layer Blend Modes to CMYK?

Trevor.Dennis May 17, 2018 2:18 AM (in response to complexity)

With an old thread like this, to have any chance of getting a response from the original poster, you need to quote him/her, which automatically generates an email notification.

complexity

Or you might do better starting a new thread, laying out your particular issue, and including your Photoshop version, and the operating system you are using. Among the forum's regular posters who would know about this stuff, are Professor norman.sanders and Dag Fosse who we call The Norwegian Colour Pedant.

Good luck
Like Show 0 Likes(0)

Actions
6. Re: Converting Screen Layer Blend Modes to CMYK?

c.pfaffenbichler May 17, 2018 2:45 AM (in response to JE_D+P)

One of the issues in such a case is that CMYK spaces lack true black.
The RGB image’s 0/0/0 could result in 88/79/65/93 or many, many other combinations depending on the CMYK Spaces’ GCR and TAC.

So if you think you need to emulate the effect in CMYK you could try correcting all four Channels to reach 100% in the »black« regions and setting it to Blend Mode Screen.
Like Show 0 Likes(0)

Actions