Editor › Features › Free CMYK Image Editor in Your Browser
Is there a free CMYK image editor that runs in a browser?
Yes. PhotoAIA converts RGB to CMYK through a real ICC profile using LittleCMS, lets you inspect each of the C, M, Y and K plates separately, and soft-proofs the result — all in the browser, with your files never leaving your device.
What CMYK mode actually does here
Most browser editors show a CMYK "preview" by applying a fixed formula or a single built-in space. PhotoAIA runs LittleCMS compiled to WebAssembly and separates through an actual ICC profile, so the black generation and total ink follow the profile rather than an approximation.
A real press profile ships with the app (GRACoL2013 CRPC6), and you can load your own printer or press profile instead. All four rendering intents are available, along with black point compensation.
Inspecting the plates
The Channels panel can isolate a single ink so you can see exactly what will print on the cyan, magenta, yellow or black plate. This is the fastest way to catch problems like text that should be 100% K but has crept into a four-colour build.
Honest limitations
- CMYK editing itself is 8-bit per channel. There is no 16-bit or 32-bit CMYK working mode.
- CMYK documents export to PSD as RGB pixels, so a CMYK profile cannot be embedded in a PSD.
- CMYK TIFF export is available and independently validated; CMYK PDF output is flattened.
Questions
- Does PhotoAIA support real CMYK or just a preview?
- Real separation through an ICC profile using LittleCMS, not a formula. You can load your own profile and choose the rendering intent.
- Can I export CMYK for a commercial printer?
- Yes — CMYK TIFF export (8-bit, LZW by default, ZIP-Deflate or uncompressed also available, with the ICC profile embedded) has been independently validated with libtiff and UTIF.