What is the correct color workflow when preparing images for print?

What is the correct color workflow when preparing images for print?

• A. Edit in RGB, then save as TIFF
• B. Edit in CMYK, then convert to RGB for viewing
• C. Edit in LAB color, then convert to CMYK
• D. Make initial edits in RGB, convert to CMYK, and then adjust

Answer: (D)

Editing in RGB first gives you the widest color range to work with, preserving detail and fidelity during retouching. Printers reproduce color in CMYK, which has a smaller gamut, so you convert to CMYK for printing and then fine-tune the image to compensate for how colors actually print on the chosen paper and ink. This two-step path—stay in RGB while editing, convert to CMYK for print, then adjust—avoids early gamut limitations and keeps final colors accurate. Other paths edit directly in CMYK or use LAB first, which can restrict edits or complicate the workflow, making D the most reliable approach.

Editing in RGB first gives you the widest color range to work with, preserving detail and fidelity during retouching. Printers reproduce color in CMYK, which has a smaller gamut, so you convert to CMYK for printing and then fine-tune the image to compensate for how colors actually print on the chosen paper and ink. This two-step path—stay in RGB while editing, convert to CMYK for print, then adjust—avoids early gamut limitations and keeps final colors accurate. Other paths edit directly in CMYK or use LAB first, which can restrict edits or complicate the workflow, making D the most reliable approach.