Photoshop Tip: Display blue as blue, not purple

Does Photoshop tend to turn the blue in your photos into purple?

When viewing photos outside of Photoshop, they actually seem to have the right colours. The first time I opened a picture in Photoshop, I was disappointed. After all, I had spent a lot of money and one would expect the colours to come out right in such an application, right?

The problem is actually a mismatch between what Photoshop believes are the correct colours and what your computer monitor actually displays. This is commonly refered to as a colour profile mismatch. The ideal solution would be to purchase a colour matching system which would allow you to teach your computer what your software, monitor and printer all think is the right shade of colours.

Fortunately there is also a quick and easy alternative solution that doesn't involve spending more money, returning the software or tossing your computer/monitor out the window.

Here's how...

In Photoshop, you will need to change settings in two places:

1. Click Edit -> Color settings
2. Change your settings to "Monitor Color"
3. Click OK.
4. Click View -> Proof Setup
5. Select "Monitor RGB"
6. Click OK.

Your pictures should now look the way they are supposed to.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are working on a graphic that will be going to print, be sure to change the setting back.

Now if I could just get my printer to print the right colours.