Colors change when import JPEG

[Tekture]

I have an image i designed in Photoshop and when i import this image into Indesign it dillutes the colors to a very very dull appearance, and yes it prints like this too (unless my printer just blows) The image will look fine before an initial save, but when reopening. The problems first arises. Why does it do this and how do i get it back to the color i originially designed it as.

Also, what is the best image type to use with Indesign? Can you import PSD?

Thanks!
Tekture

AMD 2600 1.9ghz
ASUS Mobo
1gb Memory
500G HD
Windows XP Pro SP2
Adobe CS2

 

[jimoblak]

What happens when you import PSD?

What color profiles are you using in InDesign?

 

[Tekture]

Under Settings: North American general purpose 2 for indesign AND PS (above that it says that my creative suite applications are synchronized)

Thanks!
Tekture

AMD 2600 1.9ghz
ASUS Mobo
1gb Memory
500G HD
Windows XP Pro SP2
Adobe CS2

 

[Eggles]

>>Also, what is the best image type to use with Indesign? Can you import PSD?<<

If it's a pixel-based image, then yes, bring it is as a PSD. What file type have you been using for the problem images?

Dull colours are often the result of conversion from RGB to CMYK, but that doesn't sound like the problem this time.

Perhaps try a different profile? (I use the US SWOP v2)

 

[sddesign]

I have the same problem with b/w images I am using in ads. The image looks fine in Photoshop, but loses contrast when printed from InDesign. Any solutions?

 

[jimoblak]

What color profiles are you using in InDesign?

 

[apepp]

...monitor calibration is usually the first port of call...

...turn color management off and print a test image to see what happens...

...ensure you have your printer set to NOT color manage the printed output (found in the print driver settings properties). You either let indesign control the colour output or the printer but not both...

...desktop printers are normally designed to crunch through RGB data, so best to keep in this color mode for images if possible. When sending data to your printer, the data will often be converted to rgb if it finds cmyk and this can cause poor printouts unless you have postscript software driving the output device...

Color management options for printing let you specify how you want Adobe applications to handle the outgoing image data so the printer will print colors consistent with what you see on your monitor. Your options for printing color-managed documents depend on the Adobe application you use, as well as the output device you select. In general, you have the following choices for handling colors during printing:

Let the printer determine colors.
In this workflow, the application does no color conversion, but sends all necessary conversion information to the output device. This method is especially convenient when printing to inkjet photo printers, because each combination of paper type, printing resolution, and additional printing parameters (such as high speed printing) requires a different profile. Most new inkjet photo printers come with fairly accurate profiles built into the driver, so letting the printer select the right profile saves time and alleviates mistakes. This method is also recommended if you are not familiar with color management.
If you choose this option, it is very important that you set up printing options and turn on color management in your printer driver.

Let the application determine colors.
In this workflow, the application does all the color conversion, generating color data specific to one output device. The application uses the assigned color profiles to convert colors to the output device’s gamut, and sends the resulting values to the output device. The accuracy of this method depends on the accuracy of the printer profile you select. Use this workflow when you have custom ICC profiles for each specific printer, ink, and paper combination.

If you choose this option, it is very important that you disable color management in your printer driver. Letting the application and the printer driver simultaneously manage colors during printing results in unpredictable color. Search Help for additional instructions.

(Photoshop and InDesign) Do not use color management. In this workflow, no color conversion occurs. You may also need to turn off color management in your printer driver. This method is useful primarily for printing test targets or generating custom profiles.

In the Output panel of the Print dialog box, you can determine how composite color in the document is sent to the printer. When color management is enabled (the default), the Color setting defaults result in calibrated color output. Spot color information is preserved during color conversion; only the process color equivalents convert to the designated color space. If you’re not sure which color choice to use, consult your prepress service provider.
Composite modes only affect rasterized images and objects created using InDesign; placed graphics (such as EPS and Adobe PDF files) are not affected unless they overlap transparent objects. For a complete reference and troubleshooting guide on how transparency affects output, see the document “Achieving Reliable Print Output with Transparency” on the Adobe website.

Note: The options available for non-PostScript printing depend on the color model the printer uses, which is usually RGB.

When you print as composite, automatic trapping is disabled; however, you can select the Simulate Overprint option to proof overprinting for text, strokes, or fills.

Andrew