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What Is the Best Color Profile to Use When Printing?

  • Writer: Jerry Lee
    Jerry Lee
  • Aug 27
  • 3 min read
recommended color profile for printing

Why does a color profile matter for printing?

When you view your image on a screen, you’re seeing colors displayed through light. But when that same image is printed, it’s reproduced with ink and media—two very different worlds. This is where color profiles come in. A color profile tells the printer how to interpret and reproduce the colors in your file. Without the right profile, you could end up with prints that look dull, oversaturated, or simply don’t match what you envisioned.

At Artbeat Studios, we want your prints to look exactly as you intended, which is why we recommend using a specific color profile for the best results.

What is the recommended color profile for printing with Artbeat Studios?

The ideal color profile for printing with Artbeat Studios is:

  • Color Mode: RGB

  • Color Space: Adobe RGB (1998)

  • Embedded Profile: Yes

When you save your file, make sure to embed the Adobe RGB (1998) profile before uploading. This ensures the colors you see on your calibrated monitor translate accurately through our printers and onto your chosen medium.

Why use Adobe RGB (1998) instead of sRGB or CMYK?

Different color spaces define how many colors can be represented. Here’s how they compare:

  • sRGB

    • Standard for web and digital displays.

    • Has a smaller color gamut than Adobe RGB.

    • Safe for online sharing, but limits the vibrancy of printed work.

  • Adobe RGB (1998)

    • Wider color gamut than sRGB, capturing more greens and cyans.

    • Ideal for professional printing, where subtle tonal ranges and rich colors matter.

    • Our printers are profiled for this space, ensuring accuracy.

  • CMYK

    • Used in offset printing (magazines, posters, packaging).

    • Has a smaller gamut compared to RGB spaces.

    • Not recommended for fine art prints on our systems.

By working in Adobe RGB (1998), you’re giving us the full range of color information, which results in prints that are more vibrant, nuanced, and true to your vision.


make sure my file uses the right color profile


How do I make sure my file uses the right color profile?

Here are a few quick steps:

  1. Check your editing software – Most programs like Photoshop and Lightroom allow you to set Adobe RGB (1998) as your working space.

  2. Convert if necessary – If your file is in sRGB, you can convert it to Adobe RGB before saving (but remember, colors outside the sRGB gamut may already be lost).

  3. Embed the profile – When saving your JPEG or TIFF, always embed the Adobe RGB (1998) profile so our system reads it correctly.

  4. Soft proof if possible – Use the soft proofing feature in your editing software to preview how your image will look in print.

What happens if I don’t use the right profile?

If you upload a file without an embedded color profile or one in a limited space like sRGB, the print may not fully reflect the richness of your image. Colors can appear flat, muted, or shifted. By following the Adobe RGB (1998) workflow, you’re ensuring that what you see on your screen has the best chance of matching what comes out of our printers.

Where can I prepare and upload my file for best results?

At Artbeat Studios, we specialize in turning your images into fine art that lasts. Using the Adobe RGB (1998) profile helps us deliver the vivid, accurate color that our HD Metal, Acrylic, Canvas, and Fine Art Paper prints are known for.


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