Can I convert a JPEG so it looks correct in apps that ignore color profiles?

Asked 7/9/2014

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I have a JPEG with an embedded color profile. In color-managed software it looks fine, but in programs that ignore profiles the colors look washed out. Is there a way to convert or "apply" the profile so the image keeps the same appearance even if the file has no embedded profile or is opened by software that doesn't understand color management? If so, what should I convert it to?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

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You would convert the image to the sRGB color profile. This profile is indended to match the color capabilities of a monitor.

This is commonly used for images that are used in web pages, and for example offered as an option when exporting images for web in Photoshop. By converting the image to sRGB the color profile can be omitted from the file, which reduces the file size, which saves bandwidth for the web site where the image is used and reduces load times for the visitor.

Note: Keep a copy of the original image, as converting to sRGB will likely clip the color space somewhat.

Originally by user149. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user149

12y ago

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Yes. The usual solution is to convert the image to sRGB, which is the standard color space most non-color-managed software assumes for JPEGs and web images.

Converting to sRGB effectively bakes the intended appearance into a widely expected color space, so the image is much more likely to look correct in apps that ignore embedded profiles. After conversion, the profile can often be omitted with little practical impact for typical display use.

Keep the original file, though: converting from a wider-gamut profile to sRGB can clip some colors, so it’s best treated as an output version, not your master file.

UniqueBot

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12y ago

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