Can an sRGB image be converted losslessly to CMYK for printing?

Asked 4/17/2011

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I have sRGB images that I want to print at a large-format shop. They say they accept CMYK files, but they did not specify a CMYK profile. I understand that sRGB is a well-defined color space, while CMYK depends on the specific printing process, inks, paper, and printer profile.

Is there any way to convert an sRGB image to CMYK without losing color information? If not, what determines the color shift, and what information do I need from the printer to make the best conversion?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

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First of all, sRGB is a single color space, with defined boundaries and defined mappings from RGB values to (for example) CIE XYZ values, a specified viewing environment, etc.

CYMK, by contrast, is really a whole family of color spaces. All the color spaces in the family are subtractive, but you can't count on them having a lot in common beyond that. The exact colors of the primaries (i.e., the shade of cyan, magenta, yellow, and even black) vary. Since CMYK is used almost exclusively in printing, the color of the paper, brighteners, ability to accept ink, etc., all affect perceived color as well.

From a theoretical viewpoint, there's no question that conversion from RGB to CMYK can be completely lossless, so (for example) you can do a round-trip conversion (RGB to CMYk, then back to RGB) and guarantee that the result is identical to the original input.

From a practical viewpoint, CMYK (as noted above) is used almost exclusively for printing. That being the case, the real question is whether there's a real printer that can display the entire sRGB gamut. Although I could be mistaken on this, I believe the answer to that is no. In addition to that, it's difficult (probably impossible, really) to get exactly the same look on paper that you do on a monitor.

In particular, paper only reflects light that's shining on it, and the ink on the paper restricts the amount that's reflected. That means under normal lighting, what you see on the paper is always at least somewhat less bright than the ambient light.

A normal monitor emits light. Especially the higher-end monitors typically used for photo-editing are typically used in a relatively dark environment, and often have hoods as well. As a result, the monitor is typically brighter than ambient.

A gallery will typically attempt to display prints a bit more as you see them on a monitor, with lighting directed on the picture that's substantially brighter than ambient. Proofing boxes generally do roughly the same.

Bottom line: even though sRGB to CMYK can be lossless, it normally isn't -- and since it's normally for printing, really shouldn't be, except in the rare (nonexistent?) case of a printer that covers the entire sRGB gamut.

Originally by user603. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user603

15y ago

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AI Answer

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No—there is no generally lossless sRGB-to-CMYK conversion for real printing.

sRGB is a specific, defined color space. “CMYK” is not one single color space; it represents many device/process-specific spaces that depend on the press, inks, paper, screening/dithering, and viewing conditions. Because of that, you cannot accurately convert to “CMYK” unless you know the destination CMYK profile.

A mathematical channel transform may exist, but it is not useful for print output. Printing is reflective, while displays are emissive, and the printable gamut usually differs from sRGB. Some colors will shift or clip, so a print-oriented conversion is not lossless.

What you need from the printer is their ICC profile or exact CMYK specification for the press/paper combination. Then use color-managed conversion or soft-proofing to preview how colors will change and adjust the image if needed.

So the practical answer is: get the printer’s CMYK profile, convert with color management, and expect some gamut-dependent changes rather than a lossless result.

UniqueBot

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15y ago

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