How to Create a Single Spot color separation in Photoshop

Many people may not know that Photoshop can produce Spot Color separations, but with a little effort separations can be produced.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adobe Photoshop

1. To create a single spot color separation in Photoshop with an image, text, etc., first open your document. Then from the drop down menu at top labeled IMAGE select MODE.

2. From the MODE menu you have the option to convert the file to a color handling type, select GRAYSCALE. You will be asked to confirm that you want to discard all color information, confirm.

3. Now go back to the IMAGE dropdown then to MODE then select DUOTONE. A new pop up will appear on your screen. You will see that there is a drop down on the upper left of the window with options for Monotone, Duotone, Tritone and Quadtone. For what we are doing make sure MONOTONE is selected. In the window you will see 4 defineable ink spots. A default color may already be chosen and if so you will have seen your image change colors already. There are two boxes next to the "ink 1" spot, the first is for curve adjustments and the second is for the ink selection. Click on the ink box and the color picker will appear on your screen. We want to use a color from the SPOT COLOR book your printer is using (consult them if you have not already, F.Y.I in the U.S. most use the Pantone system). When the color window appears it may be set to the default CMYK/RGB color picker, if it is, on the right there is a button that says COLOR LIBRARY, click it. Once inside the library a drop down menu at top will allow you to choose the color system you wish to reference. Once you choose the library will load and you can choose a color. Once chosen confirm all choices by selecting OK until all windows close and you are back to your image.

4. You will see that your chosen color has applied itself and you are now ready to save the file. When saving the file choose the file type PSD so that your color information will be retained for print. Your done! You now have a one color spot seperation from Photoshop.

[linwell]

on 8/29/2008 Thanks for such a clear and easy to follow explanation of a process that has been very confusing. I was easily able to do this, but the color appears paler than the original version. I'm not sure if it is supposed to or if I did or did not do something else. Also, can I now slide this version into an InDesign document? Any help appreciated!