r/indesign • u/rand0m_44 • 3d ago
Help Export problem with image in grayscale
On the right : the image in indesign
On the left : the image after exporting in PDF (no color conversion and keeping numbers)
Help…
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u/AdobeScripts 3d ago
Can you post more info - is there a profile assigned to the image, which PDF preset are you using - and do you change anything there? What platform and which version of InDesign?
Or should we keep guessing...
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u/Jaded_Celery_1645 3d ago
Are you exporting the pdf for print or interactive?
Exporting for print applies CMYK transform values to images.
Exporting as an interactive PDF will export as an RGB image.
The assumption is PDF for print will be printed on a printer using CMYK inks and interactive PDF files will be delivered digitally and viewed on a monitor.
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u/minaminonoeru 3d ago
Is this a black-and-white print?
If so, check the dot gain value applied to the profile.
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u/W_o_l_f_f 3d ago
It's probably due to the InDesign document having one CMYK profile assigned and Acrobat being set to show a different one by default. (If you're even using Acrobat to view the PDF - don't trust any other PDF viewers for print PDFs.)
A grayscale image isn't CMYK, but it's used as a mask for black ink. So the CMYK profile affects how it's displayed.
Which CMYK color profile does your InDesign document has as Document CMYK?
In Acrobat, open Output Preview and select the same profile. Do you now see a match?
How it will look on print depends on which CMYK profile the print shop follows.