What CMYK Profile Should I Use in Photoshop?

As a general rule, it’s best to stay within the CMYK color space when working with print documents. That said, there are a few different CMYK profiles to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular CMYK profiles:

Coated FOGRA27 (ISO 12647-2:2004)

This is the standard CMYK profile for printing onto coated paper stocks. It delivers bright, vibrant colors and has a good overall balance between print quality and ink coverage.

Uncoated FOGRA29 (ISO 12647-2:2004)

This CMYK profile is designed for printing onto uncoated paper stocks. It produces softer, more muted colors than the Coated FOGRA27 profile, but offers better print quality on uncoated stocks.

PRO TIP: When working with CMYK profiles in Photoshop, it is important to be aware of the potential color shifts that can occur. It is recommended to use the CMYK profile that is specific to your printer or printing process. Using an incorrect CMYK profile can result in colors that are not accurate and may not print as expected.

US Web Coated (SWOP) v2

This is the standard CMYK profile for web printing in the United States. It offers a good balance of print quality and ink coverage, and is suitable for both coated and uncoated paper stocks.

So, which CMYK profile should you use in Photoshop?

As a general rule, it’s best to stay within the CMYK color space when working with print documents. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular CMYK profiles:

US Web Coated (SWOP) v2

What CMYK Profile Should I Use in Photoshop?

Morgan Bash