Embedding a color profile ensures your file is interpreted correctly during printing. This is a required step for achieving accurate, consistent results and avoiding unexpected color shifts.
This guide explains why embedding matters, what The Stackhouse expects, common issues we see during upload, and where to find step-by-step instructions for your specific software.
Why embedding a color profile matters
A color profile tells our printers how to interpret the colors in your file. Without an embedded profile, color interpretation becomes undefined and may lead to unexpected changes in saturation, contrast, or tone.
Embedding a profile removes guesswork and ensures your file moves cleanly through our color-managed production workflow.
What The Stackhouse expects
To ensure the best possible print results, all uploaded files should meet the following requirements:
- RGB color mode
- Embedded color profile
- Adobe RGB (1998) preferred
- No CMYK files
- No untagged files (files missing a profile)
Our print workflow
- We use a fully color-managed RGB printing workflow.
- Adobe RGB (1998) provides a wider color gamut than sRGB and helps preserve more saturated colors when available.
- Printer-specific ICC profiles are handled internally by our production team.
If your file does not meet these requirements, you may see a warning during upload or be contacted before printing.
Common upload warnings and what they mean
Missing color profile
Your file does not have a color profile embedded. This can result in color shifts because color interpretation is undefined.
sRGB instead of Adobe RGB (1998)
sRGB files are accepted, but they contain a smaller color range. Highly saturated colors may not reproduce as expected compared to wider-gamut files.
CMYK file detected
CMYK files are not supported. Convert the file to RGB and embed a color profile before uploading.
My print does not match my screen
This can happen if the file has no embedded profile, the wrong profile was used during export, or the display is not calibrated. Embedded profiles ensure we interpret your file correctly, but screen appearance can vary.
How to embed a color profile (by software)
Follow the guide that matches the software you use to export your final print file:
Tip: Use the software you export from, not necessarily the software you edited in.
Quick file prep checklist
- File is in RGB
- A color profile is embedded
- Adobe RGB (1998) is selected when available
- Export settings were reviewed carefully
- The file was not converted to CMYK at any point
Related resources
Need help?
If you are unsure whether your file is print-ready or need help embedding a color profile, contact our team and include:
- The file you are uploading
- The software you used to export it
- A brief description of the warning or issue you are seeing
Contact: Support@thestackhouse.com
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