Why does MS Publisher 2010 on windows 10 not accept CMYK codes I enter as my colour choice for a shape I insert?

Hello, DusterMinerals

Thanks for posting your concerns here.

The issue you’re experiencing with Microsoft Publisher 2010 not accepting CMYK color codes properly stems from the fact that Publisher primarily works with RGB color for on-screen display, even though it can print in CMYK. This mismatch leads to changes in the color codes you enter, as Publisher automatically converts CMYK values into RGB for screen representation, which results in discrepancies.

Here are the key steps and recommendations to manage this:

***1->****RGB to CMYK Conversion Issue:*Publisher 2010 uses RGB for display and only converts to CMYK during the printing process or when exporting to PDF for professional print use. If you're inputting CMYK values directly, Publisher may alter them as it attempts to convert these to an RGB equivalent for display on your monitor

• Someone in an early community thread mentioned that it should be okay to use CMYK in Microsoft Publisher, as the feature seems to have been removed since Office 2013. If your Publisher is still 2010, you should be able to find CMYK by this step. Refer from - Microsoft Publisher - How to set Color Model to CMYK for export to pdf - Microsoft Community

->“Open your Pub file and then File > Info > Commercial Print Settings > choose color model.

**->**Open your Pub file > Info > run Design Checker > check 'run commercial print checks' > Click down arrow beside 'Publication is in RGB mode' > select 'fix: convert to another color mode'.

***2->***Workaround for Accurate Color Representation:

• Before entering CMYK colors, manually convert your desired CMYK values to their RGB equivalents using a color converter tool. Input these RGB values into Publisher.
• If you need a CMYK output for professional printing, you can ensure accurate CMYK color by setting the Commercial Printing settings in Publisher. Navigate to File > Commercial Print Settings > Choose Color Model, and set the color mode to CMYK when exporting the file as a PDF

***3->***PDF Export for Printing: To maintain the correct CMYK color for professional printing, you should export your project as a PDF and select Press Quality or Commercial Press options, which will ensure CMYK output

For more specific instructions and user discussions on this issue, you can refer to the following threads where this issue has been discussed -<Publisher 2010 printing Composite CMYK issues - Microsoft Community>

These should help you better manage CMYK colors in Publisher 2010. Feel free to let me know if anything unclear.

Regards,

Hannah.Z | Microsoft Community Support Specialist