Mixed messages about Publisher's support for CMYK.

[Tim Murray]

In reading threads here and reading the marketing stuff at Microsoft, I'm
trying to figure out if Publisher really supports CMYK or not ... meaning
for PostScript work, separations, PDFs, and so on ... or whether colors are
converted to RGB during the print-to-PostScript process. The MS site says,
"New commercial printing options. These features include a 4-color process
and spot color printing, giving you additional options for professional
printing," yet I've read threads to the contrary.

So can someone summarize what's true? And, for any respondents, be aware
that I'm very familiar with PostScript, color, third-party tools like
Chameleon, Crackerjack and so on ... just not Publisher itself.

[RSD99]

Re: "...

In reading threads here and reading the marketing stuff at Microsoft, I'm
trying to figure out if Publisher really supports CMYK or not ... meaning
for PostScript work, separations, PDFs, and so on ... or whether colors are
converted to RGB during the print-to-PostScript process.

..."

Publisher is (internally) 1,000% RGB. Give it a press-optimized CMYK illustration ... and
it will IMMEDIATELY CONVERT IT TO RGB!

The only "support" for CMYK is in the printer routines ... where a rudimentary conversion
routine will convert the internal RGB to some form of "CMYK" when you choose to print
"separations." These "conversion routines" are not really "professional" caliber, and the
on-press quality suffers ... sometimes drastically.

Therefore my (somewhat opinionated) answer to your above question is:

NO ... and don't expect it anytime soon.

= = = = =
"Tim Murray" <NoS...@techknowledge-no-spam-corp.com> wrote in message
news:er0Q6yP4BHA.2288@tkmsftngp07...

[Tim Murray]

Does Publisher have a color palatte where you can "mix" your own colors? If
so, does it present a CMYK palatte?

[RSD99]

Publisher knows **nothing** about CMYK.

You might find it interesting to look up the current thread titled "CMYK seps from
MSPublisher 2002" in the USENET comp.pub.prepress newslist.

= = = = =

"Tim Murray" <tlmu...@tech-no-spam-knowledgecorp.com> wrote in message
news:eU5mQGW4BHA.376@tkmsftngp02...

[Tim Murray]

What do you think Microsoft means when they say, "These features include a

4-color process and spot color printing, giving you additional options for

professional printing."

Is it some spin on what really doesn't work as a real prepress person would
expect? Like, "We take your CMYK and convert it to RGB internally. Then,
when you want separated PostScript, we take a wild stab at converting back."

Is it some crap like that?

(I don't have access to comp.pub.prepress newslist)

[RSD99]

First, because I refuse to blindly "buy into" Micro$loth's propaganda about Publisher, I'm
probably regarded as somewhat of a "troll" around here. But I'll provide my personal
reactions to your points. None of this information is "sanctioned" in any way ... by
anybody.

Second:
Microsoft publisher's "Prepress Documentation" (the PSPP Guide ... or actually "PSPP
Prepress Training Guide") states (third bulleted point on page 1):

- - - - - Begin Quote - - - - -

Publisher is not intended to compete with high-end Desktop Publishing (DTP)
products such as PageMaker, Quark, or InDesign. Publisher does not have all of
the commercial printing features that the high-end products have.

- - - - - End Quote - - - - -

[Note ... this publication is available in PDF format on Brian K.'s web site. see
http://www.mvps.org/publisher/
http://www.mvps.org/publisher/printing.htm

Some Microsoft personnel have actually publicly admitted that Microsoft Publisher is
actually aimed at the typical MS Office Suite user and the "Home" user. The purpose of the
program in Microsoft's "line-up" is/was apparently to compete with the low-end publishing
programs presented by the PrintShop level of program.

Re: "...

What do you think Microsoft means when they say, "These features include a 4-color process
and spot color printing, giving you additional options for professional printing."

..."

Actually ... IMHO ... hokum.

RE: "...

Is it some spin on what really doesn't work as a real prepress person would
expect? Like, "We take your CMYK and convert it to RGB internally. Then,
when you want separated PostScript, we take a wild stab at converting back."

Is it some crap like that?

..."

IMHO: Yes!

Re: "...

(I don't have access to comp.pub.prepress newslist)

..."

If you can access this newslist, you can probably access comp.pub.prepress using the same
setup and software. Check with your ISP about "USENET News Lists."

= = = = =
"Tim Murray" <tlmu...@tech-no-spam-knowledgecorp.com> wrote in message

news:ekHhEBZ4BHA.2400@tkmsftngp07...

[Rob W]

I'll agree with all of your points, although I *have* been able to
successfully print Publisher files to our Harlequin RIP to be printed on a
Heidelberg DI. The kick in the teeth is that I can send *pre-separated*
files and the RIP will gladly print what I expect, however I cannot
recombine that separated file to produce an accurate dye sub. So I'm
supposed to tell the customer "trust me, it'll look great on press." I don't
think so!

"RSD99" <rsd...@NOSPAM.net> wrote in message
news:euQN3QZ4BHA.2460@tkmsftngp07...

[RSD99]

Re: "...

So I'm
supposed to tell the customer "trust me, it'll look great on press."

..."

As soon as I hear the phrase "... trust me ..." I know I'm being scammed ... big time!

= = = = =

"Rob W @hotmail.com>" <robw55<spamless> wrote in message
news:Dvnt8.6775$T_.1...@iad-read.news.verio.net...

[Mike Koewler]

SBs (Service Bureaus, not Sons of A ...) always told me... Trust us,
we'll reproduce the file exactly as it was given to us. They did, but
it put the onus on me to make the file correctly.

Mike

"Rob W

[Jim McCormick]

A Troll? No, you're much taller than a troll. :)
--
Jim McCormick
ColorSource, Inc.
Pennsauken, NJ 08109
856.488.8100