Converting RGB to CMYK up PDF Export

[posterized_child]

I had a document with an RGB image. I exported it as a PDF with color set to CMYK under the advanced menu. The resulting pdf appears to be CMYK.
Is this a dependable way to make the RGB to CMYK conversion? I usually open images individually in Photoshop to convert them. Seems like this could save a lot of time.

[seetomtype]

The biggest tripping point will be how the image is actually being converted. What I
mean by that is you'll want to have some sort of controll over which color profile is
used to make the conversion for you. If you can keep it constant between applications
and your jobs print fine then you'll be ok.

This is huge point of discussion in the industry, and this question can be the tip of the
iceberg for color management issues. Usually if you want to implement any sort of
CMS you will need to extensively test your process to make sure that it will
consistantly work as you and your customers expect. I don't deal with much 4cp
work here so mine CMS is very basic, but it seems to work well for my workflow
and my budget.

I hope this helps in some way...

[Jalan]

3 folks from Washington. Cool!
I always take it to the source file. I prefer to have the control to change RGB images in Photoshop. Even if you have an RGB image in a PDF for Version 6 or 7, Acrobat will separate them CMYK anyway.

Now if you aren't color critical, go for it. But if you want to get a system down with profiles and consistant conversions, then goto the source.

[mattbeals]

If you are doing it with ICC profiles (color management ON) then you will be using the same engine as PhotoShop. The Creative Suite shares the same engine (ACE) which takes advantage of profiles and BPC (black point compensation). It will work, it does work, I'd never let it though. I'd do it all myself in PhotoShop.

[posterized_child]

If you are doing it with ICC profiles (color management ON) then you will be using the same engine as PhotoShop. The Creative Suite shares the same engine (ACE) which takes advantage of profiles and BPC (black point compensation).

Ahhh. Thanks, man. That makes sense. Well, now I'm content to let Indesign make the RGB to CMYK conversion at this point rather than adjusting photos individually. Perhaps the people who prefer to convert their images in Photoshop arn't always satisfied with the results of their profile; maybe they just want to tweak it a little more?

[mattbeals]

Precisely, you have the ability to tweak the photo after the RGB to CMYK conversion. But if you are in a true color managed workflow, that's all been compensated for already durring the retouch stage.