◆ Photoshop · color

Prepare Plate Files

Prepare the set of artboards and export each as a separate print-ready PDF with the correct ISO-coated_v2 profile and …

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”Prepare the set of artboards and export each as a separate print-ready PDF with the correct…+
Prepare the set of artboards and export each as a separate print-ready PDF with the correct ISO-coated_v2 profile and 3 mm bleed, check that trim and registration marks are present, and deliver the batch to the plate room before 16:00.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before sending the export set to procurement and the plate room, make acceptance easy—ensure…+
Before sending the export set to procurement and the plate room, make acceptance easy—ensure each PDF contains embedded fonts or outlines, include a one-page manifest listing profiles, bleeds, and file sizes, and flag any artboards that use RGB images above 300 ppi.
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
Prepare a set of artboards exported as separate print-ready files with the correct color profile and bleed for the plate room.

Who does this

1 roles
Prepress Technician

Questions people actually ask

with the jobs and tasks they touch

Begin by scanning the portraits at the highest quality. Then, open the images in Photoshop to analyze skin tones and overall color balance.

Adjustments are best made after initial exposure correction, once the image's brightness and contrast are set so you can see the true skin tones and color issues clearly.

Use the 'Match Color' feature to unify tones across multiple images, or manually adjust using 'Curves' and 'Hue/Saturation' for precise control, ensuring natural skin shades.

One mistake is over-saturating colors, which can make skin look unnatural. Always check the changes on a neutral background or soft light to keep the tones realistic.

A photo editor or restoration specialist usually performs this task, especially when aiming for consistent, natural look across many images.

AI can assist in suggesting color adjustments or automating some grading steps, but it often needs human oversight for authenticity and to avoid over-correction.

Correcting color cast is key because old photographs often have unwanted color tints. Use 'Color Balance' to neutralize these casts before fine-tuning skin tones.