Unable to print CMYK files from Professional Print & Layout

[phy9pas]

I'm trying to use the Canon Professional Print & Layout software to print from my Mac.

It seems like I'm unable to load CMYK files in to the application to print. When I select the file, nothing happens and the file is ignored.

I've tried this with both TIFFs and JPGs - they load up alright when in RGB colourspace but fail if they are CMYK.

I don't want to have to transform all the files to RGB first as this may affect the colours from the original artwork.

Does anybody know if this is a bug or expected behaviour - I can't see this restriction listed anywhere in the documentation. Is there any workaround?

[phy9pas]

Thanks, but the whole thread of this problem is that PP&L can't handle CMYK files.

Somebody suggested PSP as an alternative, but this doesn't solve the problem either since it requires Photoshop.

[phy9pas]

100% agree! Seems like such an obvious oversight for a "professional" printing product!

[phy9pas · Accepted solution]

I've just had a response from Canon support confirming that this is the expected behaviour for this software - you cannot print CMYK files to your CMYK Canon printer using Canon software. Mindblowing.

"In response to your enquiry regarding the Professional Print & Layout, I am attaching below the link with of the software's manual with the general notes.

Professional Print & Layout Guide
General Notes (Professional Print & Layout) << Click the link

When starting from supported application

• One color (8 bits or 16 bits) per pixel RGB data formats supported by the application

Therefore, as you correctly mentioned, this software does not support CMYK files and unfortunately I could not find a workaround.

Lastly, I am attaching below the link of an article with information regarding the RGB and CMYK colour systems.

RGB, CMYK and photo printing << Click the link
'Learn about RGB and CMYK colour systems. Find out how Canon inks and paper are designed to work in harmony with printers, providing colour accuracy.' "