sRGB, Adobe RGB, and ProPhoto RGB: Color Spaces and Web Export

First, Choose the Color Space Based on Delivery Purpose

The choice of color space depends on the file's editing and delivery purpose. Adobe recommends using sRGB for images intended only for web viewing; if the image currently uses another embedded profile, Adobe suggests converting it to sRGB before saving it as a web image. This recommendation is for web delivery and does not imply that all printing or HDR workflows should use sRGB.〔G-COLOR-THEORY-01〕

Profile Conversion and Embedding Solve Different Problems

Profile conversion and embedding address different issues. Photoshop's “Assign Profile” does not change the image color values, it only changes how the application interprets those values; “Convert to Profile” transforms the colors to the target space. Embedding a profile helps other applications recognize the color definition; without embedding, different applications may interpret colors differently. Display results are still affected by the monitor and color management.〔G-COLOR-THEORY-02〕

Specify and Tag Profiles When Exporting in Lightroom Classic

Lightroom Classic's export settings allow you to choose color spaces such as sRGB, Adobe RGB, ProPhoto RGB in supported file formats and tag the exported files with the corresponding profiles. For web delivery, exporting according to Adobe's sRGB recommendation is suitable; if other delivery spaces are needed, first confirm the recipient's software and output requirements. Menu options may vary depending on format and software version.〔G-COLOR-THEORY-03〕

Editing Space and Delivery Space Can Be Different

Adobe states that the Lightroom Classic Develop module preview defaults to ProPhoto RGB; Adobe RGB also includes some printable cyan and blue colors that are outside the smaller sRGB gamut. Keeping an edit master and a web export file can serve different purposes. If the work involves printing, confirm the target profile and proofing requirements with the output provider rather than assuming the final color effect based solely on the color space name.〔G-COLOR-04〕

Perform a File Check Before Web Publishing

After exporting a copy, check the target color space, whether the profile is embedded, and open it in a color-managed application to verify. If the platform re-encodes images or removes metadata, check the actual uploaded file again; do not assume that local previews reflect how the platform and each browser will display the image in the same way.