The fastest way to see whether an image is RGB or CMYK in Photoshop is to look at the document tab (or title bar). After the file name and zoom level, Photoshop shows the color mode in parentheses, such as (RGB/8) or (CMYK/8). You can also open Image > Mode, where the current mode has a check mark.
These steps work the same way in Photoshop CS5, CS6, and current Creative Cloud versions. RGB is the right mode for screens and the web. CMYK is used for many commercial print jobs, but only convert when your printer asks for it.
Quick Answer
Check the document tab for “(RGB/8)” or “(CMYK/8)”, or go to Image > Mode and see which option is checked.
Method 1: Read the Document Tab
- Open the image in Photoshop.
- Look at the tab above the image. It shows the file name, the zoom percentage, and the mode, for example photo.jpg @ 50% (RGB/8).
- The number after the slash is the bit depth (8, 16, or 32 bits per channel).
If the tab has a layer name in it, such as (Layer 1, CMYK/8), the mode is the last part.
Method 2: Check Image > Mode
- Select Image in the menu bar.
- Point to Mode.
- The current mode has a check mark, such as RGB Color or CMYK Color.
Method 3: Look at the Channels Panel
- Select Window > Channels.
- An RGB image lists Red, Green, and Blue. A CMYK image lists Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black.
RGB vs. CMYK
| RGB | CMYK | |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Screens, websites, social media, most home and photo-lab printing | Commercial offset and press printing |
| Color range | Wider, with brighter greens and blues | Narrower; some bright colors can’t be printed |
| Filters | All filters available | Some filters are grayed out |
| File size | Smaller (3 channels) | Larger (4 channels) |
How to Convert Between RGB and CMYK
- Save a copy of the file first. Converting to CMYK can dull colors that can’t be printed, and converting back won’t restore them.
- Go to Image > Mode and choose CMYK Color or RGB Color.
- If Photoshop asks about flattening or merging layers, choose Don’t Flatten to keep your layers.
- For print jobs, ask your printer which color profile to use. Then use Edit > Convert to Profile instead of the Mode menu for more control.
Preview Print Colors Without Converting
Select View > Proof Colors (Ctrl + Y, or Command + Y on a Mac) to see roughly how an RGB image will look in CMYK. Turn on View > Gamut Warning to gray out colors that won’t print accurately.
Troubleshooting
- Filters or adjustments are grayed out: The image may be in CMYK, Indexed Color, or Grayscale mode. Switch to RGB Color to use them.
- Colors look different after conversion: That’s expected when colors fall outside the CMYK range. Adjust them in RGB with Proof Colors on, then convert.
Planning color edits next? See how to change the color of objects in Photoshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a JPEG always RGB?
No. JPEGs are usually RGB, but a JPEG can be saved in CMYK. Check the document tab to be sure.
Should I send CMYK files to an online print service?
Many online services want RGB files and convert them on their side. Follow the service’s file guidelines.
Summary
- Check the document tab for (RGB/8) or (CMYK/8).
- Or open Image > Mode and look for the check mark.
- Use Proof Colors to preview print results.
- Convert only on a copy, and only when your printer asks for CMYK.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.