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How Do I Change Mode in Illustrator?

Published in Adobe Illustrator 2 mins read

You can change the color mode in Adobe Illustrator using the "Document Color Mode" setting. Here's how:

  1. Go to File > Document Color Mode. This menu item is located at the top left of your Illustrator application.

  2. Select the Color Mode desired. Choose either CMYK Color (for print) or RGB Color (for web/screen).

  3. Go to your Color palette (or Color Picker). This panel is typically located on the right side of your Illustrator workspace. If you don't see it, go to Window > Color.

  4. Select the menu and the desired working color space. Within the Color palette's options (usually accessed via a small dropdown menu or three horizontal lines), you can further refine your color space within either CMYK or RGB. For example, you might choose sRGB for web work or US Web Coated (SWOP) for print.

  5. Check your objects ensuring that their color is accurate. After changing the color mode and color space, it's important to review your artwork. Colors may shift slightly, so make any necessary adjustments.

Important Considerations:

  • RGB Color Mode: Best for digital displays, websites, and screen-based projects. It uses red, green, and blue light to create colors.

  • CMYK Color Mode: Best for print projects like brochures, posters, and packaging. It uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to create colors.

  • Converting between modes: Converting from RGB to CMYK can sometimes result in color shifts, as CMYK has a smaller color gamut (range of colors) than RGB. Always check your colors after converting.

  • Color Space: Within RGB or CMYK, the color space (e.g., sRGB, Adobe RGB, US Web Coated SWOP) defines a specific range of colors. Choosing the correct color space is crucial for consistent color reproduction across different devices and media.

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