Working in RGB for print vs. CMYK

[mistercitizen]

When working in PS for print, is it better to work in CMYK the whole time, or is it OK to work in RGB right up until your image is complete, then flatten your layers and convert to CMYK for output?

Working in RGB obviously means smaller file sizes, and access to all of the filters (some are not available in CMYK)

So is there a right or worng way to work in PS's colour modes? What are the pros and cons for each method?

Thanks!

 

[MarcusStringer]

You can do it that way if you like, it doesn't matter.
Keep in mind that the CMYK Colour Gamet is less than the RGB one so when you convert to CMYK your picture will look different (duller).

Marcus

http://www.midlandtypesetters.com.au

 

[mistercitizen]

Yeah, I am aware of the significant difference between the gamut of RGB and CMYK Marcus. When the file is going to be printed the colours will obviously have to be within the CMYK gamut.

If one was to work in RGB right up until output (as per the method in my first post), is there some way to optimise the colours after converting from RGB to CMYK? (auto levels, contrast etc.?)

If there is no difference between the outcomes of both of the working methods, wouldn't it just make sense to work in RGB (smaller file sizes, access to all filters), and then converty to CMYK at the end? Conversely, is there any real advantage to working in CMYK the whole way through?

Thanks!

 

[blueark]

It's often better to work in RGB until the end, because it retains more of the image information. It not only leaves more functions open to you, but gives Photoshop more useful data to work with.

Obviously the conversion to CMYK can cause problems, so my advice would be to go to View > Proof Setup > Working CMYK before you begin. Then make sure View > Proof Colors is selected. That way, Photoshop has enough data to work with internally, but you won't get any suprises when you do the final conversion.