◆ Photoshop · color

Lock Colour Swatches

Set up a layered exhibition catalogue template: create artboards for spreads, lock color swatch layers with the correc…

2heights
2tasks
1roles do it
See the prompt↓More color workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Set up a layered exhibition catalogue template: create artboards for spreads, lock color swatch…+
Set up a layered exhibition catalogue template: create artboards for spreads, lock color swatch layers with the correct CMYK profile, and export each artboard separately as print-ready PDFs.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Produce a catalogue template the studio can reuse — build artboards for cover and two-page…+
Produce a catalogue template the studio can reuse — build artboards for cover and two-page spreads, embed the CMYK profile the printer requires, create locked swatch layers labeled with Pantone/CV codes, add bleed and trim guides, and export a folder of individual print-ready PDFs and a master PSD template.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Color Management

Color Management in Photoshop ensures consistent color appearance across different devices and outputs.

  1. 1

    Choose Edit > Color Settings.

    NoteThis opens the main dialog for color management options.

  2. 2

    Select a color setting from the dropdown menu.

    NoteOptions include No Color Management or various predefined settings.

  3. 3

    Review and adjust Working Space types for RGB, CMYK, Gray, and Spot.

    NoteThese define the color spaces Photoshop uses for editing.

  4. 4

    Set Color Management Policies for RGB, CMYK, and Gray.

    NoteThese policies determine how Photoshop handles color mismatches.

  5. 5

    Ensure Desaturate monitor colors is unchecked in Color Settings.

    Best practiceLeaving this unchecked helps maintain an accurate monitor profile.

  6. 6

    Choose View > Proof Setup to preview colors for specific outputs.

    NoteYou can select options like Monitor RGB or specific printer profiles.

  7. 7

    Select View > Proof Colors to toggle the proof preview on or off.

  8. 8

    Choose File > Print to access print color management.

  9. 9

    Expand the Color Management section in the print dialog.

  10. 10

    For Color Handling, choose Photoshop Manages Colors.

  11. 11

    Select the appropriate Printer Profile for your output device.

  12. 12

    Click OK in the Color Settings dialog to apply changes.

  13. 13

    Click Print in the Print dialog to send the job.

For color management to work effectively, your image needs an embedded ICC profile.

Color management settings can be automated via scripting, but profile selection often requires user input.

Glossary

words on this page
Color Management PoliciesRules that determine how Photoshop handles color profiles when opening or importing images.ExamplePhotoshop's Color Management Policies might prompt you to keep or discard an embedded color profile.
Desaturate monitor colorsA display option that temporarily removes color from the screen for evaluating luminosity.ExampleYou temporarily Desaturate monitor colors to check if the contrast in your image is strong enough.
Photoshop Manages ColorsA setting where Photoshop converts colors to the printer's profile for accurate output.ExampleWhen printing, Photoshop adjusts the image colors to match your specific printer's capabilities.
Printer ProfileA file that describes the color characteristics of a specific printer and paper combination.ExampleUsing the 'Epson Premium Luster' printer profile ensures accurate color reproduction for that paper type.
Color HandlingSettings that define how Photoshop processes and converts colors between different profiles.ExampleYou adjust the Color Handling settings to ensure your print colors match your screen colors.

The real tasks

1 of them
Set up a layered template with locked color swatches and artboards for an exhibition catalogue the studio will use.

Who does this

1 roles
Illustrator / Digital Artist

Questions people actually ask

with the jobs and tasks they touch

Open the image in Photoshop, then use the 'Curves' or 'Color Balance' adjustment layers to correct unwanted color tints. This helps the product look consistent with your site.

You should do this after basic cropping and exposure adjustments. Correcting color early ensures the product's appearance remains true to the intended mood in your brand guidelines.

Use the 'Match Color' feature or create a reference file with the target color palette. Applying the same adjustments to each photo helps maintain uniformity, especially for catalog images.

Relying only on auto color corrections or ignoring the overall mood can ruin consistency. Manual adjustments ensure the color mood stays true to your branding.

A retoucher or photographer often performs this task before publishing images to ensure they fit the site’s color palette.

AI tools can suggest adjustments but often need human fine-tuning. Manual review ensures the mood and brand feel stay accurate, especially for subtle color shifts.

Matching site specs focuses on color accuracy for individual photos, while unifying the brand tone involves broader style choices like warmth or mood, which can influence color adjustments.