Convert RGB to CMYK Automatically

A PDF designed in RGB will print with duller, shifted colours than expected on screen. This is one of the most common — and most fixable — print errors. Here's why it happens and how to correct it automatically.

Why RGB Doesn't Print Correctly

Screens create colour using light (Red, Green, Blue). Printing presses create colour using ink (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). The two systems have different colour ranges — RGB can display brighter, more saturated colours than CMYK ink can reproduce. When a printer converts RGB automatically without your input, the result is often duller or shifted in hue compared to what you designed.

How to Tell If Your PDF Is RGB

Most PDF viewers show colour space information in the document properties or print settings. If your file was exported from a program using default settings (common with Word, PowerPoint, or Canva's free export), it's very likely still in RGB.

Converting Automatically

PrintFix247 converts RGB PDFs to CMYK automatically using ISO Coated v2 — the standard ICC profile for European offset printing. This maps each RGB value to its closest CMYK equivalent, correcting colour before it goes to press.

Which ICC Profile Should You Use?

• ISO Coated v2 (ECI) — standard for coated paper: flyers, brochures, magazines
• ISO Uncoated — for uncoated paper: letterheads, some brochures
• FOGRA39 — commonly used in European offset printing, closely related to ISO Coated v2
• GRACoL / SWOP — US commercial print standards

If your print shop hasn't specified a profile, ISO Coated v2 is the safest default for European print jobs.

Verify the Result

After converting, check the file with PrintReady247 to confirm there are no remaining RGB elements before sending it to print.