Prepare duotones for print and export

Last updated on Oct 10, 2026

Learn how to export duotone images in the required format and configure separation settings for printing in Adobe Photoshop on desktop.

Duotone images require specific handling to ensure accurate color reproduction when printing or importing into page layout applications. Unlike standard RGB or CMYK images, duotones use custom ink colors that need proper format conversion and color management settings.

This procedure applies to duotone, tritone, and quadtone images you've already created in Duotone mode. If you need to first convert a grayscale image to duotone, ensure you've configured your ink colors and curves before proceeding. The export format you choose depends on your destination application and whether your image contains spot channels.

Before you begin, convert your image to Duotone mode with ink colors specified, identify your destination application (page layout software or direct printing), and confirm the target printing press ink sequence with your print service provider.

Configure print separation settings

When preparing duotones for commercial printing, ink order and screen angles affect the final output.

Select File > Print with your duotone image open.

In the Print dialog box, locate the Color Management section.

From the Profile menu, select Separations to print individual color plates.

Contact your print service provider to confirm halftone screen angles for your inks.

Adjust these values in your printer's RIP (Raster Image Processor) if needed.

The order in which inks are printed affects overprint colors. Generate color separations directly from Duotone mode to preserve custom ink colors.

Export duotones for page layout applications

Page layout applications require duotones in EPS or PDF format to preserve spot color information.

Select File > Save As.

Select Photoshop EPS or Photoshop PDF from the Format menu.

Enter a filename that includes color suffixes your importing application recognizes.

Select Save and configure format-specific options in the dialog.

For images with additional spot channels

Convert to Multichannel mode by selecting Image > Mode > Multichannel.

Save in DCS 2.0 format.

Verify naming requirements with your service provider or application documentation before finalizing export settings. Custom color names must use suffixes that your destination application recognizes for proper color separation.