RGB values for CMYK color varies. Best choice? (Using CS3)

Posted: 01-13-2009, 08:01 AM
We have set some CMYK colors for a client. I now need a corresponding RGB and Hex color.

I use these two methods:
1. Import a vector graphic into Ps and use the Eye Dropper from the Color Picker. The CMYK values are correct and the Color Picker gives me RGB and Hex.

2. Enter the four CMYK values in the Color Picker. The Color Picker gives me different RGB and Hex colors.

Which one is the better method or is none of the two good?

Thanks a lot!

ps: Can someone explain why there is a difference?
Reply With Quote

Responses to "RGB values for CMYK color varies. Best choice? (Using CS3)"

christoph_pfaffenbichler@adobeforums.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
 
Re: RGB values for CMYK color varies. Best choice? (Using CS3)
Posted: 01-13-2009, 11:52 AM
In case 2 is the document from case 1 still open? Or is another document in the foreground or none at all?
And how do You »import« the vector graphic?
Does the original file or the resulting image have some other ICC-profile assigned than Your CMYK-working space?
Reply With Quote
PMueller@adobeforums.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
 
Re: RGB values for CMYK color varies. Best choice? (Using CS3)
Posted: 01-13-2009, 12:13 PM
I open the ai File in Photoshop (File > Open) and don't change the settings in the dialog. File pops up and I hit the colored area (one clean area) with the Eye Dropper. Result: Correct CMYK values:

CMYK 0/90/100/10
RGB 182/54/31
Hex b6 36 1f

Then I close the Color Picker Dialog and use the Eye Dropper on another area to change the Foreground Color. Next I hit the Color Picker by double clicking on the Foreground Color Swatch. I enter the CMYK values (same as above) and get slightly different Hex and RGB:

CMYK 0/90/100/10
RGB 182/53/31
Hex b6 35 1f
Reply With Quote
Neil_Keller@adobeforums.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
 
Re: RGB values for CMYK color varies. Best choice? (Using CS3)
Posted: 01-13-2009, 01:24 PM
Related to this, Pantone's Color Bridge (Coated/Uncoated) fan-out swatches include Pantone/CMYK ink comparisons plus RGB and HTML (hex) values. But they are listed in Pantone color number sequence.

Neil
Reply With Quote
christoph_pfaffenbichler@adobeforums.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
 
Re: RGB values for CMYK color varies. Best choice? (Using CS3)
Posted: 01-13-2009, 02:52 PM
P, with such small differences I suppose it may be rounding errors, but I have to admit I’m also baffled.
By the way: FOGRA27 is obsolete as far as I know, FOGRA39 is the current standard (»ISO Coated v2 (ECI)« is available at www.eci.org/doku.php?id=en:downloads).
Reply With Quote
PeterK.@adobeforums.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
 
Re: RGB values for CMYK color varies. Best choice? (Using CS3)
Posted: 01-13-2009, 03:18 PM
Besides that, the RGB value will depend on what RGB space you are using. If you want to give the client RGB values, you will also have to specify for which RGB colour space they apply and they will have to work in that colour space.
Reply With Quote
christoph_pfaffenbichler@adobeforums.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
 
Re: RGB values for CMYK color varies. Best choice? (Using CS3)
Posted: 01-13-2009, 04:01 PM
True that; if the intended medium is the internet it may be advisable to change the RGB-Working Space to sRGB.
The Intent in the Color Settings also influences the result.
Reply With Quote
T._Schmidt@adobeforums.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
 
Re: RGB values for CMYK color varies. Best choice? (Using CS3)
Posted: 01-13-2009, 06:22 PM
Ok so let's say I chose sRGB and still get two values, which one should I give the client?

We're living in the stone age over here and Xerox is the ruthless profile hating ruler over the primitive 4C-worshipping, LAB-fearing barbarians.
Reply With Quote
PeterK.@adobeforums.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
 
Re: RGB values for CMYK color varies. Best choice? (Using CS3)
Posted: 01-13-2009, 07:27 PM
Which colour engine are you using in your colour settings? Make sure it's Adobe (ACE). If you still get the problem, I would guess there is a bit of a rounding error because the imported graphic is not giving the exact same value out of the 256 possible in an 8-bit channel. Meaning, if you were to pull a gradient from 0 to 100% in a CMYK document, there are 256 possible values for the 100 percentage steps of each channel. Some steps get 2 or 3 values assigned to them as those 256 steps are distributed amongst the 100 percentage values. If your RGB value shows a discrepancy of one value, it's off just a fraction of a percent for the CMYK value, so in most cases you shouldn't worry about it. Just pick one.
Reply With Quote
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are Off
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On
Forum Jump


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
AiCS3: Swatch name is based on RGB values, I want CMYK PMueller@adobeforums.com Mac Applications 3 01-12-2009 06:07 AM
"-" in CMYK color values jrm_inc@adobeforums.com Mac Applications 2 10-25-2006 05:11 PM
Converting CMYK values to PMS colors Lloyd_Wells@adobeforums.com Mac Applications 4 05-21-2005 01:16 AM
what's going on, rgb, cmyk values different in photoshop 6 vs. CS? mike_moreno@adobeforums.com Mac Photoshop 3 07-16-2004 06:43 PM
Merging CMYK Values / Channels Cayce@adobeforums.com Mac Photoshop 7 06-11-2004 07:43 PM