Reply To: Ink Coverage

I have experimented with the RGB workflow and I’m finding that Indesign can convert RGB images on the fly to their target CMYK profile and the total of the CMYK values are within the ink weight limit. However, Indesign doesn’t convert placed CMYK images which may be over ink weight to the target profile. Also, and this is quite surprising – Indesign doesn’t reduce the ink weight of its native objects that may have a CMYK value with high ink weight to the target ink weight.

Lastly, if you have an image placed with a gradient multiplying over the top (to darken an area for example), Indesign will not take into account the ink weight limit when it creates the PDF. So an RGB image with a darkening vignette over the top may result in a CMYK PDF with too high an ink weight.

Is there any way around this? Otherwise I will have to go back to creating a composite version of that image in Photoshop instead of doing quick image adjustments in Indesign.