FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 6 - Streets Imaging Services

Q: How do I find out what profile is embedded in the image file?

You can check your file’s colour space using Adobe Bridge . Open the file, and in the Metadata panel, you’ll see the embedded profile — for example, sRGB or Adobe RGB (1998). If no colour space is shown, the file may be a RAW or was saved without an embedded profile. When exporting from RAW, your editing software lets you choose the colour space, this is when you should convert to the colour space you want for output (e.g. sRGB for lab printing). Then, make sure that the colour space is embedded in the file. Converting adjusts the image data so colours appear consistent in the new space. Embedding tells us what space the file is in, so we interpret it correctly when printing. For best results, convert your file to the output colour space you're targeting, and always embed that profile when exporting your final print-ready file.

Q: Do you accept RAW files?

Typically, we do not accept RAW files. Instead we would prefer to help you find your way in converting and editing these files. If you’re capturing in the RAW format, RAW files do not have a colour profile listed, this is applied during the converting of the RAW files to JPEG or TIF. For work to be submitted to Streets Imaging, we recommend either sRGB or Adobe RGB 1998. It is critical that your files are tagged with the correct profile otherwise unpredictable results will occur.

Q: What colour spaces do you accept and which one should I use?

We accept files in commonly used colour spaces such as sRGB and Adobe RGB (1998). Our system reads the embedded profile in your file and converts it to the correct output profile for your selected paper and printer. To maintain accuracy, we recommend using a consistent colour space throughout your workflow — from RAW conversion through editing to final export. Then, embed that profile when saving your file. This ensures your colours are interpreted correctly and appear as you expect in the final print.

Q: Do I need the printer profile from the lab?

No. We don’t require you to download or install our printer profiles. You can work in a standard colour space like sRGB or Adobe RGB (1998) and export your files with that profile embedded. Behind the scenes, we convert your image to the correct output profile based on the printer and paper you’ve selected. Each device and material (lustre, metallic, canvas, fine art paper, etc.) has its own calibrated profile, and our system applies the correct one automatically. Why this works for you: You don't need to manage printer-specific profiles Our software ensures accurate conversion for each output type Profiles are updated in-house whenever printers or papers change A consistent embedded working profile is all you need to supply Note: RA-4 printers (used for C-type prints like lustre and metallic) have a smaller colour gamut than Adobe RGB. Some highly saturated colours, particularly greens, cyans, and blues, may not reproduce exactly as seen on screen. If you're working in Adobe RGB and want more control, consider soft proofing using our ICC profiles.

Q: Can I get a soft proofing profile?

This is for expert users only, contact Streets Imaging for a soft proofing profile for the paper type you are using. These profiles are solely for use in Photoshop/view/proof setup to give you an idea of any out of gamut colours that may occur in your image. They are for evaluation of an image only and are not to be used as a working space profile or unpredictable results will occur. This is not recommended for inexperienced users.

Q: Why RGB and not CMYK?

We work exclusively with RGB files for all output types, including photographic and fine art inkjet printing. Our C-type prints are produced using red, green, and blue light to expose light-sensitive photographic paper, making RGB the appropriate colour mode for this process. Our fine art inkjet printers use extended ink sets with multiple greys, oranges, and other pigments, but are designed to receive RGB input for accurate colour reproduction. Submitting CMYK files can result in colour shifts and unpredictable results because it bypasses the colour-managed conversion process. Additionally, our ROES ordering software does not support CMYK files — attempting to upload one will result in an error. To ensure consistent and accurate prints, always work in RGB and embed your colour profile when exporting.