Color Space

A color space combines a color model, such as RGB, with a defined gamut and reference for interpreting color values. Common image spaces include sRGB for the web and broad compatibility, Display P3 for many modern wide-gamut screens, Adobe RGB for some photography and print workflows, and ProPhoto RGB for high-bit-depth editing. The same RGB values can represent different visible colors in different spaces.

For most images destined for websites, social platforms, or general sharing, exporting to sRGB and embedding its color profile is the safest choice. Keep a wider-gamut working file when your camera, editor, display, and printer support a color-managed workflow, then convert a copy for the final destination. Assigning a different profile does not convert colors; use your editor’s color-conversion command instead.

If an image looks washed out, oversaturated, or different between apps, check whether its profile is embedded and whether each app supports color management. A wide-gamut file cannot force a standard-gamut screen or printer to reproduce colors outside that device’s capabilities. Always preview the converted export on the intended display or with the intended printer profile before delivery.