In this article, you will learn
- which prerequisites are required for this Fixup, and
- how to apply this Fixup.
1. Introduction
The Fixup Convert RGB vector objects to CMYK working space is available in the Workflow. The purpose of this Fixup is to convert vector and text objects from RGB to the CMYK Working Color Space.
2. General
The Fixup Convert RGB Vector Objects to CMYK Working Space can be used to convert vectors and texts from Microsoft Office programs to CMYK. An optimized DeviceLink profile is used to reproduce the luminosity of the colors - as they are often displayed in Office applications.
You can find this Fixup on the tab Data Preparation of an Article, Order or Production Job by:
- entering the name of the Fixup in the area Filter,
- activating the option Color in the area Category,
- activating the option Convert in the area Action,
- activating the option CMYK, RGB and Vectors in the area Property.
3. Description
Use this Fixup to retrospectively convert RGB vector objects into the CMYK Working Color Space. The Fixup attempts to retain the strength and radiance of the colors. For example, red (255/0/0) is converted to CMYK (0/100/100/0), green (0/255/0) to CMYK (100/0/100/0) or blue (0/0/255) to CMYK (100/100/0/0). Black (0/0/0/0) or white (255/255/255) are respectively converted to CMYK (0/0/0/100) or (0/0/0/0). Equal RGB values such as 128/128/128 are converted to pure black in CMYK (0/0/0/50).
3.1. Prerequisites and Functionality
For the Fixup to perform as intended, the following requirements must be met:
- The file contains at least one RGB vector or RGB text object.
Figure 1: The dialog of the Fixup Convert RGB Vector Objects to CMYK Working Space
Images and Spot Colors are not Converted
Please note that this Fixup is limited to vector and text objects that are created in RGB. Images and Spot Colors with the RGB alternative color space are not captured by the Fixup and are therefore not converted to CMYK.
No further options can be selected to convert RGB vector or text objects to the CMYK Working Color Space.
3.2. Before/After
To experiment with this function, refer to the sample file "Sample_Convert RGB to CMYK.pdf". The file was created in RGB. It contains vectors and a line of text. The text was created with the color values 255/255/255. The green color area was created with RGB 0/255/0, the red color area with 255/0/0 and the blue color area with 0/0/255. The black background was colored with 0/0/0. The yellow color area was created as a Spot Color.
After applying the Fixup, the file "Sample_Convert RGB to CMYK_End.pdf" is created. All RGB color values were converted to CMYK. The yellow color area was not converted. Some of the colors change significantly as a result of the Fixup.
Figure 2: Left: Original file, Right: Edited file in which all vector object were converted to the CMYK Working Space
Article update: Workflow 1.20.0 – 03/2025