Converting from sRGB to CMYK for print.

[Wally]

I am looking to get some tri-fold flyers printed.  After reading your articles on the subject I went in armed and ready to ask questions.

They want the file in a PDF and they want it in CMYK.  I asked what specific CMYK profile they use and their response was “If you could save this with no profile that would be great! Once we get the file I can run a sample for you to check over to ensure you are happy with the colour?”

Am I better off  finding another printing company? 

[Damien Symonds]

*head in hands, sobbing*

Yes.

[Wally]

Just to help me understand this a bit better so that I half know what I am talking about when I get back to them.  If they receive a PDF with no embedded colour profile wouldn't they just convert it to the profile that they use and then happy days?

I'm sure it is not that simple.

[Damien Symonds]

Unfortunately it's not that simple.

If you sent me a carton of eggs, a bag of flour, a tub of sugar, a block of butter, etc, you could ask me to bake a cake with it. I'd measure the quantities I needed, and make a delicious cake.

But if you sent me those ingredients already mixed together and asked me to pop it in the oven, the cake would be a disaster.

[Wally]

Right.i have contacted another company who could tell me straight away which profile they use.