Learn the step-by-step process of converting an image into a working space in Photoshop and discover the importance of 'soft' proofing while editing your images.
This exercise is excerpted from Noble Desktop’s past Photoshop color managment training materials and is compatible with Photoshop updates through 2018. To learn current skills in Photoshop, check out our Photoshop Bootcamp and graphic design classes in NYC and live online.
Converting an Image into the Working Space
Download the class files. Refer to the Downloading the Class Files page at the beginning of the workbook on how to download and install the class files.
In Photoshop, go to File > Open.
From the Color Management Seminar Files folder, open East River.psd.
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The following message will be displayed:
The current embedded profile (EPSON Expression 10000XL) is a device profile for an Epson scanner. That is how this image was digitized. We want to edit in a device-independent workspace, not the scanner’s workspace. So choose the second option, Convert document’s colors to the working space, which in our case is Adobe RGB.
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Click OK. The image is now ready for editing.
NOTE: This will probably be a typical workflow. You’ll open an image that has an embedded profile for the scanner/digital camera you started with. Then you convert to the working space and edit the image!
Close the file.
Soft Proofing While Editing the Image
Periodically as you work, you should turn on “soft” proofing to see more closely how the image will look according to how you will output it:
If you will be printing the image, soft proofing previews how the image will look in CMYK. You’ll be able to see how your colors shift if you’ve used colors that will not be able to print (out-of-gamut colors).
If you will be putting it online, soft proofing previews how it will look on Macs and PCs.
Setting up Soft Proofing for Print
Go to View > Proof Setup. Here you choose the profile to be used for soft proofing. Typically you’d choose Working CMYK.
Turning on Soft Proofing
Choose View > Proof Colors to toggle the soft proofing on and off.
Checking for Out-Of-Gamut Colors
Choose View > Gamut Warning to highlight unprintable colors.
