How to convert an RGB JPG photo to CMYK for 4 color process offset printing

[Lenny Rosen]

I am a Commercial Print Distributor and a Professional Photographer.  Photographs are in RGB and if not converted to CMYK will cause color shifts when offset printed.  I have been converting RGB photographs to CMYK in Photoshop for years and then adding them to my document in Adobe Illustrator which is in CMYK for offset printing.

What is the best way to convert to CMYK in Affinity Photo?  So I can add the image to a CMYK document in Affinity Designer?  I think I found the best way.  I made a YouTube video.  Is this the proper way to make the conversion?  Please watch the video.  Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk_UQOOH1ck

[Callum]

Hi Lenny,

Welcome to the forums

This is the fastest way to do this.

C

[Fixx]

Just have right profile set in Preferences. You can though change profile in export via More...

[Lenny Rosen]

Hi Fixx.

Thanks.

 

Edited September 8, 2020 by Lenny Rosen

[Lenny Rosen]

I found a way to do this that I think is even better.  I will probably make a YouTube video for this method. 

How to convert an RGB photograph to CMYK for offset printing in Affinity Photo

1. Open up your RGB photograph in Affinity Photo
2. Click Document drop down menu
   1. Choose Convert Format / ICC Profile…

                                                    i.     Format: 

1.     CMYK/8

                                                  ii.     Profile:

1.     Coated FOGRA39 (ISO 12647-2:2004) (Most modern profile with the best & brightest color)

                                                iii.     Click Convert

3. File
4. Save as
   1. Name and save your CMYK photograph for offset printing

[thomaso]

On 9/4/2020 at 4:04 PM, Lenny Rosen said:

What is the best way to convert to CMYK in Affinity Photo?  So I can add the image to a CMYK document in Affinity Designer?

I wonder if you definitely want to convert the image file (+ possibly save a second file additional to RGB version).

I'd say it isn't necessary but may happen later, kind of automatically, in an according workflow:

– If your AD document is set properly to CMYK then even placed RGB images can use this color workspace, e.g. for adjustments and effects.

– Additionally you have the choice for CMYK once more when you export the AD document.

Means with settings in AD only you can ensure any RGB image will appear in the file for print. With an according PDF version (e.g. X-4) and profile even RGB image data inside the PDF will get converted properly before being printed.