Color Management with PDF Guidelines

Photoshop versions 5 and above have color management settings which must be disabled before changing to a PDF workflow, unless you are well-versed in color management. CMYK images with embedded color profiles will be converted by Distiller to a LAB color space (sometimes referred to as "calibrated color") which destroys any black channel information. You should resave any images that have embedded profiles to avoid this problem.

If, however, you want to use color management, be sure you have a solid understanding of the process before you get started down this road. We are happy to help by supplying press profiles and advice, but you are going to want to look at a good book on color management so you understand what it's all about. It's also imperative that you calibrate and profile your monitor with a colorimeter.

If you are familiar with color management and are currently incorporating it into your workflow, feel free to embed ICC press profiles in your images. If you have a calibrated monitor and use these profiles in your color workflow, this can give a more accurate display of your work.

For coated papers, use the US Web Coated v2 profile.

For uncoated papers, use the US Web Uncoated profile.