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In this article, I’ll break down the mystery of exporting Figma designs to CMYK.
Why Bother With CMYK?
Before we dive into the "how," let's quickly revisit the "why." CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black). Unlike screens that emit a mix of red, green, and blue light, printers layer coats of CMYK colors on top of each other to reproduce the image. Some printers also combine additional colors with CMYK to achieve better saturation.
Because printers use the CMYK color space, we need to prepare our file the same way. These days, many printers will just convert your files for you, and some even allow you to just upload simple RGB image files - but professional print designers and print shops generally prefer to have full control over the process, and will follow proper print standards.
So, make sure to follow the requirements of the print vendor / print shop that you plan to use before you export your designs.
1. Online Tools
There are free tools you can find online that will help you convert a PDF to CMYK. However many of them come with limitations such as a 20MB file size cap, unlike alternatives like Print for Figma which are 250MB or more.
Pros: Free, usable from your web browser.
Cons: Requires an extra step outside of Figma, and has a 20MB file size limit!
2. Adobe Acrobat Pro
After exporting your design as a PDF from Figma, Acrobat Pro can be used to convert your file to CMYK. It's a bit like teaching your grandma to text—requires patience and a bit of tech-savviness. While Acrobat Pro boasts many features, its $20 monthly fee makes it a questionable option.
Pros: Offers fine-tuned control over the conversion process.
Cons: Requires an extra step outside of Figma, and the cost might make your wallet weep, especially if CMYK conversion is all you're after.
3. Print for Figma
The Print for Figma plugin specializes in turning your Figma designs into CMYK-ready files directly within the app. Convenient, efficient, and and designed to feel like a native Figma feature, this method is by far the easiest and most seamless way to ensure your designs are print-ready. The PRO plan is only $12/month, and comes with tons of features like standard print design sizes, bleed and crop marks, and more.
Pros: Professional, streamlined workflow, right within Figma;
Cons: Premium experience comes at a premium
Final Tips
I know that all of this can be overwhelming, so regardless of the path you choose, do these two things, you’ll be okay no matter what: talk to your printer - and always order proofs. The worst thing that will happen, is the colors of your proof will look weird, and you make edits until it works.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you opt for third-party tools, the hands-on approach of Adobe Acrobat Pro, or the sleek efficiency of Print for Figma, your path to CMYK is clear.
Figma isn't just for digital design; it's a powerful tool for print designers too. By harnessing the right tools and techniques, you can ensure your designs transfer to paper seamlessly, capturing every detail in CMYK.
