Checking print density. CMYK

[de5m0mike]

How do you guys go about making sure your print densities are within range before sending a file to a printer? For example making sure C+Y+M+K does not add up to more than 280. I know I could click around with the eye dropper and add them up, but is there another way? I've never been able to figure this one out. Can it even be done in photoshop or is it a 3rd party program? I know light room lets you do something similar where it highlights potential problem areas of the image in the preview.

[SilvaFox]

You can convert to RGB and back to CMYK. Your shadows will be 300.

[KR1156]

edit, convert to profile, custom cmyk....adjust the separation values yourself, i.e total ink limit.

absolutely avoid the previous comment if you're precisely matching color or showing final proofs to your client.

[pixelzombie]

you can change the eye dropper to read Total Ink and what KR1156 said

[de5m0mike]

I tried this and it does work but it also changes colors that don't need to be changed. For instance a solid block of C:100 M:0 Y:0 K:0 changed to C:90 M:0 Y:11 K:0. Is there a way to only effect the parts of the image that need to be corrected without messing with the rest of the image? Is there a way other than the eyedropper to test the image without making any changes? What if the image was okay to begin with and didn't need to be corrected?

[pixelzombie]

you will get some change if you are working with CMYK images..one way around that is to use selective color and only change the "Blacks" until you get your 280 Dmax but that's only if you are close to begin with

[Hartleyb4]

You can also set your info palette to read Actual Color and Total ink at the same time. This will be helpful if your following Pixelzombies advice above.
You can also make a color range selection on the darkest areas and then adjust with curves or whatever tool you choose.

[Kermy]

Only way to show this is to go into indesign and import the image. Then under Windows got to the Output pallet. Select Separaions Preview tab and change view to Ink Limit. The rest I'm afraid is up to you...

[Hartleyb4]

Originally Posted by Kermy

Only way to show this is to go into indesign and import the image. Then under Windows got to the Output pallet. Select Separaions Preview tab and change view to Ink Limit. The rest I'm afraid is up to you...

There are several ways to read the ink density in photoshop. No need to go into InDesign.

[Kermy]

yep there are several ways to read ink density in photoshop ie gamut warning etc. but as far as i'm aware if you want to actually see a visual representation of the areas where ink density is over a specified limit - the indesign method is the only way i'm aware off...

[Hartleyb4]

I misunderstood exactly what you were saying in the first post. Sorry.

You are correct, InDesign has that "warning" color that it will cast over areas that are over density.

[tungrodt]

Here's another method: Open it it ...
Acrobat > Advanced > Print Production > Output preview .
Tick "Total Area Coverage" and select your number. Everything above that number highlights in hideous green err whatever color you choose.

[balage]

I found several months ago a javascript for PS, but it doesn't work 100% well in CS5. If anybody is interested i can upload it on web

[andrewrodney]

The question should be, what is the correct ink density (TAC) for the press and print conditions and the answer is usually the profile built for conversions from RGB to CMYK for that device. If you don’t have one, then its a big fat guessing game! The right numbers for one print condition is the completely wrong set for another.

280TAC is way too low from some devices, way to high for others.

[mushmush]

Amen Mr. Rodney