PDF Output Preview

[lnivin]

I created an ICC profile from an IT8.7 printed on our Integris proofer. At the moment, this is what I'm trying to match.

When I open a PDF (Acrobat 8) and go to Advanced --> Print Production --> Output Preview and select the new ICC profile, it doesn't honor it. The color doesn't change. If I change the paper color, that does change.

When I place the same PDF in InDesign CS4 and go to View - Proof Setup, select my new ICC profile, turn off "Preserve CMYK numbers", it DOES honor it. I don't see that Acrobat gives the option of turning off "Preserve CMYK numbers".

So, how do I create an ICC profile that I can pass to our customers that they can use to view PDFs with our new ICC profile?

I have learned out printing a PDF using the new ICC profile for Output Intent. That works, but I really don't want customers doing this. Who knows which PDF we will receive. I just want a profile for viewing.

Thanks for any explanations.

Still learning,
Linda Nivin

 

[Lukas Engqvist]

IN the output preview you will probably see that you have exported calibrated CMYK. If you first go to the colour converter and decalibrate CMYK, then you will see what you expect. You can also check that all objects are DEVICE CMYK, this is the kind of CMYK that preserves numbers. (yes I know that is simplifying things to make it practical)

 

[lnivin]

You're a genius!

 

[lnivin]

Now that I've worked my way through this, I have more questions . . .

In Acrobat, when I choose Output Preview and select a different profile, the color does change - just not to the specifications of the profile.

Then, when I go under Convert Colors, the color then looks correct.

This process seems to be different if no Output Intent Profile has been embedded. At that point, it appears the Output Preview alone works.

So, how does this really work?

Thank you,
Linda

 

[Lukas Engqvist]

Well don't know about genius, but have lotts of experience ;p Ty anyway.

If there is an output intent Acrobat will default to showing that, wich is a good way of getting reasonable expectations.

If there is no output intent you will be simulating on the screen what the print will look like on different devices. This shows how "safe" the so called safe CMYK workflow is. Managed CMYK is in many ways the same as sending someting in LAB or RGB, since the CMYK values are interpreted through the ICC profile.

Now reading back on your post however I realise I have answered your question, but set you down a dagerous path. Are you sure you want to have your own ICC? What may be a better way to work, if it is possible is to try to print accordinig to your regional standard.
The excersise was still important in that you get a better understanding of the proofing tools in Acrobat. And it is good to know how to proof, say how an add or logo will look with specific CMYK values in newsprint, coated and uncoated, and to be able to show a customer how they can evaluate if there is a need to enhance contrast to adapt to another medium.

 

[lnivin]

I'm trying to get a good grasp of Color Management and you have been a great help!