Answers to Commonly Asked Questions about PhotoDisc
What is the difference between the JPEG and TIFF images I find on my PhotoDisc volume?
Every PhotoDisc volume contains both high and low resolution versions of the images pictured in the printed catalog pages included with the CD-ROM. The low resolution images are screen resolution (72 pixels per inch) RGB TIFF files. They are ideal for laser comps, for position only (FPO) layouts and on-screen previews of image quality. The high resolution images are print quality (300 pixels per inch) JPEG-compressed RGB TIFF files. Once decompressed, these images can be converted to CMYK, saved to your hard drive, digitally manipulated and ultimately placed into your page layout program.
Why are PhotoDisc images in RGB format instead of CMYK?
PhotoDisc images are meant to be as versatile as possible for the end user. When an RGB image is converted to CMYK, several parameters must be taken into consideration. Things like paper stock, 4-color film output device, layout software programs used, types of inks used and special effects intended by you, the designer. We don't want to make these decisions for you. We would rather you have the control in deciding exactly how your images are converted to CMYK.
How can I get PhotoDisc images into CMYK format?
There are a number of excellent image manipulation software tools you can buy that include RGB to CMYK color conversion in their feature sets. Of these, Adobe PhotoShop, Aldus PhotoStyler, CorelDraw! and Quark Express are among the best. PhotoShop, PhotoStyler, and CorelDraw! convert the image files to CMYK before placement into a page layout program while Quark Express converts RGB files "on the fly" during Raster Image Processing ("RIP"ing) on a four color film output device. Check the documentation of your digital image manipulation software for more details.
