This method uses the information stored within a profile, such as a production CMYK profile, to determine the separation of an image. The result is realised in one single step as the separation is completely automatic.
The separated layers will look the same as your original image providing that the profile used has a large enough gamut for the displayed image. The profile is automatically embedded into the resulting layers. Lab, RGB, CMYK and grayscale profiles can all be used.
Apart from separating, this method is also useful for creating a design image which can be used within a digital printing workflow. To do this, you simply separate through the profile and then save the new layers, on their own, as a TIFF or JPEG. Due to the fact that AVA automatically saves any embedded profiles within these formats, the resulting file can be sent to a third party application so that it utilises the colour information contained within the profile to maintain colour consistency.
Separating an image through a production profile
- Make the image you want to separate visible in the Layers Palette.
- Go to Separate Menu > With Profile… .
- Select the profile to be used. If you are unsure which profile to use, try out the method using the ‘Generic CMYK Profile.icc’ located in Hard Disk/ System/ Library/ ColorSync/ Profiles. The rendering intent of the selected profile will appear in the window. To change it, simply choose another from the menu.
- In some cases, Black Point Compensation can improve the separation, and can be selected at the time of separation. If in doubt, simply do one separation with it off, and another with it on. You will then be able to compare the two separations and select the most desirable one.
Note: The profile needs to include a separation table and be in icc format to work. It is also important to choose the appropriate type of profile for the type of layer you intend to create. In other words, choose an RGB profile to make an RGB image or a CMYK profile to make a CMYK image.
A new layer of the chosen type is added to your file and the selected profile is embedded. This is shown next to the layer in the Layers Palette.
- If you need to, you can split the new layer to a document on its own and save it as a TIFF or JPG. Simply activate the layer and go to Layer Menu > Save Selected Layers.
This separation method is ideal to use in conjunction with the AVA Profiler module as it enables you to create your own CMYK profiles within the AVA software. For more information on this product, please contact us.