How can I batch-convert CMYK JPEGs so they display correctly on Windows?
Asked 4/17/2015
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2 answers
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I received a batch of JPEG photos that display with very strange colors, almost like negatives. My viewer reports these files as CMYK, while normal-looking JPEGs are reported differently. I want to convert the CMYK JPEGs into a standard display-friendly format in batch, preferably on Windows and ideally from the command line or with minimal quality loss. What's the best way to do this, and do I need to worry about embedded color profiles?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
1
I would do one of them manually in Photoshop (Image -> Mode -> RGB Color), then record an Action of the process https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/creating-actions.html. Then play the action back on the remaining images. If you need other steps, such as assigning a new color profile, resizing, etc., just record those as part of the action too.
Originally by user76245. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user76245
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—what you likely need is to convert the files from CMYK to RGB for normal viewing. JPEG commonly uses YCbCr internally for compression, but the real display color space to target is RGB, not YCbCr as a working color mode.
For batch conversion on Windows, use software that properly handles CMYK images and their embedded ICC color profiles. Good options mentioned were Photoshop, IrfanView, and XnView.
- In Photoshop: convert one file via Image > Mode > RGB Color, then record an Action and batch-run it on the rest.
- In IrfanView or XnView: use their batch conversion tools to convert the files.
Important: if the JPEGs have embedded color profiles, use software that reads them correctly during conversion. If they do not have profiles, automatic conversion may still look wrong; in that case you may need to manually assign a profile in Photoshop (or similar) before converting, choosing the one that gives the correct appearance.
To minimize quality loss, convert once and save at high JPEG quality, or use a lossless intermediate format during testing.
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AI11y ago
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